The title “Pastoral Mass” originated from my children’s song Shepherd Song, as this melody is played by the saxophone at the beginning of the work. The sound of this instrument is reminiscent of a traditional Lithuanian folk instrument known as a birbyne, played by shepherds in the country. The character of the music varies between popular and Romantic styles, and the text is taken from the traditional Latin mass in six movements. At certain points, the instruments are able to improvise freely – this is predetermined by the conductor and soloists. The soprano saxophone part can also be played on any other woodwind instrument with an appropriate range. (Vytautas Miškinis)