Mass No. 4 (Schubert)
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Mass No. 4 in C major, D 452, is a mass composed by Franz Schubert in 1816. It was originally scored for soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists, SATB choir, violin I and II, and basso continuo (cello, double bass and organ). It is classified as a missa solemnis.[1]
| Mass No. 4 | |
|---|---|
| by Franz Schubert | |
| |
| Key | C major |
| Catalogue | D 452 |
| Year | 1816 |
| Form | Missa solemnis |
| Movements | 6 |
| Vocal | SATB choir and soloists |
| Instrumental |
|
Background
The setting was composed in June–July 1816, and possibly received its first performance in late summer or early fall of the same year at the Lichtental Church.[2] As in his previous masses, the soprano solos were written with Therese Grob's voice in mind.[3]
The mass shows the influence of Mozart in Schubert's work, particularly in the original reduced orchestration (the Salzburger Kirchentrio, Salzburg church trio)[4] and the perceived "lightness of touch".[5] Schubert's contemporary diary entries confirm his interest in Mozart's missae breves, along with the music of Michael Haydn, another Salzburg composer.[3]
Schubert made considerable revisions to the mass for subsequent performances. He added parts for 2 oboes or clarinets, 2 trumpets and timpani, all ad libitum, for an 1825 performance in St. Ulrich, Vienna.[2] He revisited the mass in 1828, seven weeks before his death, with a purely choral setting of the Benedictus (formerly D. 961) to replace the earlier soprano solo.[6][7] It is likely that this was in anticipation of a performance where a soloist of Grob's calibre was unavailable.
Schubert sold the score of Mass No. 4 and some shorter church works to Anton Diabelli for publishing in 1825.[8] It was the only mass published during the composer's lifetime.[9] Schubert dedicated the publication to Michael Holzer, the organist and choirmaster at the Lichtental church, and his teacher in organ, singing, figured bass and counterpoint.[10]
Structure
The mass consists of six movements. Performances require approximately 23 minutes. Commentary is for D 452, unless otherwise indicated.
- Kyrie, Andante con moto, C major, common time
- Gloria, Allegro vivace, C major, common time
- Credo, Allegro, C major, 3/4
- Et incarnatus est, Adagio molto, D minor, cut common time
- While Schubert habitually omitted certain passages of the Creed, in this mass he makes the unusual exclusion of the words "ex Maria Virgine" (of the Virgin Mary).[3]
- Et resurrexit, Allegro, C major, 3/4
- Et incarnatus est, Adagio molto, D minor, cut common time
- Sanctus, Adagio, C major, common time
- Osanna in excelsis, Allegro vivace, C major, common time
- Benedictus, Andante, F major, 2/4; soprano solo
- Osanna in excelsis, Allegro vivace, C major, common time
- Benedictus, (D 961) Moderato, A minor, cut common time; choir
- Osanna in excelsis, Allegro vivace, C major, common time
- Agnus Dei, Adagio, C major, common time
- Dona nobis pacem, Allegro vivace, C major, 3/4
