Mozart: Missa brevis in C major, K.259

Introduction

The Missa brevis No. 8 in C major, K. 259, is a mass composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1776. It is scored for SATB soloists, SATB choir, violin I and II, 2 oboes, 2 clarini (high trumpets), 3 trombones colla parte, timpani and basso continuo.

Although classed as a missa brevis (brief mass), the inclusion of trumpets in the scoring makes it a missa brevis et solemnis. The mass derives its nickname Orgelmesse or Orgelsolomesse (Organ Solo Mass) from the obbligato organ solo entry of the Benedictus. This is one of three masses Mozart composed in November and December 1776, all set in C major, including the Credo Mass (K. 257) and the Piccolominimesse (K. 258).

The work consists of six movements. Performances require approximately 10–15 minutes.

1. Kyrie Andante, C major, common time
2. Gloria Allegro, C major, 3/4
3. Credo Allegro, C major, common time
4. Sanctus Adagio maestoso, C major, 3/4

   "Pleni sunt coeli et terra" Allegro, C major, cut common time

5. Benedictus Allegro vivace, G major, 3/4

   "Hosanna in excelsis" Allegro, C major, 3/4

6. Agnus Dei Adagio, C major, common time

   "Dona nobis pacem" Allegro, C major, 3/4