Q. Tell us about the inspiration behind this piece, why did you decide to compose a mass?

I was asked by Buckfast Abbey to write a Mass for choir & organ for the feast of Corpus Christi, when the real presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated in great solemnity. Traditionally on the Thursday 10 days after Pentecost and a day of obligation, the feast was instigated by Pope Urban IV with many of its texts composed by St Thomas Aquinas.

Q. Did you draw upon any particular composers or works during the writing process?

I drew on some Gregorian chant associated with the feast, and some extracts from Palestrina. 'Caro mea' is the Alleluia text for the day, and 'O sacrum convivium' the Magnificat antiphon. Both chants permeate the mass, in modes 7 and 5 respectively ('major key' modes), and this defined the harmonic as well as melodic language. Additionally, an extract from the 'Gloria' of plainsong Mass I ('Iesu Christe') provides the material for 'Adoramus te' - which is followed by a silence of adoration. This idea also finds its way into the Sanctus, which after an organ build-up is entirely a cappella and intended to move the listener quietly into a trance-like state pending the start of the consecration prayers. As per the brief, the choral parts are not overly demanding - most of the complexity is to be found in the organ part.

Q. You are well known particularly for your improvisation at the organ. How does the role of improvising inform your compositional process?

I find improvisation easy and composition difficult! - they are two very different things. The process of improvisation is entirely 'in-the-moment' and one has an instinctive feel for the time-span of a phrase, sentence, paragraph etc. This instinct deserts me when composing. I find the most natural way to compose is to scatter ideas around the page, then work them together into a whole - a non-linear approach. In this Mass, I think very little remains of my initial drafts and ideas.

Q. Tell us about your relationship with Buckfast Abbey, why have you chosen to have the premiere there?

I was asked to open the new organ in Buckfast Abbey back in 2018 and have been a regular visitor since. My last recording with Westminster Cathedral Choir was made there - it was wonderful to be in the tranquility of a monastic setting. The commission for this mass came directly from the Abbey so it is natural that the first performance should be there.

Q. When you’re not composing, playing the organ or directing a choir what do you like to do in your spare time?

Away from performing, composing, teaching etc. I suppose the thing I do most of all is move - I don’t like being static and travel as much as possible. That used to involve a lot of motorcycle touring (Spain and Greece were regular destinations) but since the bike was stolen just before lockdown I haven’t replaced it. Walking, cycling, driving, sailing and flying are the current alternatives. I don’t like to plan travel - like an improvisation I prefer to be in the moment, and rarely plan a route or book accommodation in advance - I thrive on the uncertainty!

The premiere of Baker's Missa O sacrum convivium! will be performed in June 2024 at Buckfast Abbey.