Mass in C major
Arrangement for chamber orchestra (arr. K. F. Müller) op. 86, 1807-1808 / 2022
“But, dear Beethoven, what have you done again?” Even if the authenticity of this statement, which was quoted by Anton Schindler, may be doubted, it reflects quite well the confusion that the Mass in C may have caused its commissioner, Prince Nicholas II Esterházy, in 1807. Unconventional for those times, here Beethoven opened up entirely new worlds of expression for the liturgical text, opening up new avenues for the further development of mass compositions in the 19th century.
This important work of choral literature can now be performed by smaller forces thanks to this arrangement for soloists, choir and chamber orchestra. Instead of 12, just 5 wind instruments are required. The string parts can also be played by single soloists; the performance material contains suggestions about how to deal with the divisi passages. All the vocal parts (soloists and chorus) are unaltered in the arrangement, so that the vocal scores and choral scores from the original version can be used.
- Large mass also performable for smaller choirs
- Wind instruments of the original version reduced to five single instruments
- Vocal and choral scores of the original version can be used
- carus plus: the work (original version) is available in the app carus music, the Choir Coach, as well as in the series Carus Choir Coach (audio only)
Original version | Arrangement for chamber orchestra |
Soli SATB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Tr, timp, 2 Vl, Va, Basso (Vc, Cb, Org) | Soli SATB, Coro SATB, Fl, Ob, Clt, Fg, Cor, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb [Org] |
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Composer
Ludwig van Beethoven
| 1770-1827Ludwig van Beethoven was without doubt one of the most influential composers in the history of music. His works formed the culmination of many genres – particularly instrumental – of Viennese classicism, and laid the foundation for the following decades. But Beethoven’s vocal works set standards too: the late Missa Solemnis is one of the most impressive choral works of its time; but his earlier Mass in C also opens up new worlds of expression for the liturgical text, and set the benchmark for the further development in the composition of the mass. And with the final chorus of the Ninth Symphony, the setting of Schiller’s Ode to Joy, Beethoven created one of the most frequently-performed and best known choral pieces of all, writing a timeless musical memorial to himself. Personal details
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Arranger
Klaus F. Müller