Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART: Missa brevis in C Major, K. 258 “Sparrow”: I. Kyrie (Live) – II. Gloria (Live) – III. Credo (Live) – IV. Sanctus (Live) – V. Benedictus (Live) – VI. Agnus Dei (Live) – Ave verum corpus, K. 618 (Live) – Missa brevis in C Major, K. 220 “Spazenmesse”: I. Kyrie (Live) – II. Gloria (Live) – III. Credo (Live) – IV. Sanctus (Live) – V. Benedictus (Live) – VI. Agnus Dei (Live)

Maîtrise d’Orbe, Orchestre des Jeunesses Musicales de Genève, Daniel Varetz, Conductor

Missa brevis in C major K. 258
PICCOLOMINI MASS

Mozart composed this mass in December 1776 in Salzburg, where it is known under the title “Graf-Spaur-Messe.”

The Viennese title “Piccolomini Mass” likely comes from “Missa piccola” (small mass). Indeed, this work is part of the collection of short masses composed for solemn celebrations.

Due to its academic orchestration, it does not present major difficulties for the performers. However, it is not without interest. This is evidenced by the dialogue between the choir and the soloists in the Agnus Dei, to which Mozart seems to have paid particular attention.

It should also be noted that there is a version of this same work with a solo organ, dated March 26, 1778, in Paris.

To our knowledge, no recording of the “Piccolomini Mass” exists yet. This recording is therefore the first world premiere.

Missa brevis in C major K. 220
SPARROW MASS

The manuscript of this mass, composed in January 1775 in Munich, was part of the collection of masses KV 257, 258, 259, and 262, whose title “V Missa in C” was written by Mozart’s father, Leopold.

The works in this series are festive masses, which owe their designation “Missa brevis” to the decision of the Archbishop of Salzburg. Indeed, on September 4, 1776, Mozart wrote to Father Martini: “If the Archbishop officiates, a mass, even the most solemn, must not last more than three-quarters of an hour, and its orchestration must include trumpets and timpani.” Consequently, only festive masses include such orchestration. Masses K 258 and 259, which have this feature, are typically festive masses; the “Sparrow Mass,” of the same length as the previous two, and whose score includes timpani and trumpets, can easily be assimilated into this group.

The term “Missa brevis” originates from a more restricted orchestration: two violin parts and a bass part.

The mass KV 220 owes its nickname “Sparrow Mass” to the characteristic appoggiaturas of the violins in the Sanctus.