Deutsche Messe (Schubert)

The Deutsche Messe (German Mass), D 872, is a hymn-cycle by Franz Schubert written in 1827. Neither a Mass nor strictly speaking German, it was published in Vienna as what it is: Gesänge zur Feier des heiligen Opfers der Messe (Hymns for the Celebration of the Holy Offering of Mass). It sets a sequence of eight non-liturgical German poems by Johann Philipp Neumann, who commissioned Schubert's music, one or more of which could be used separately during Mass. A ninth hymn, given as an appendix, treats the Lord's Prayer, bringing the length to about 35 minutes when the music is performed, as it often now is, as one big concert work.

This article is about Schubert's work. For the Lutheran service, see Deutsche Messe.
Deutsche Messe
by Franz Schubert
Hand-written transcription, from 1870 (long after Schubert's death), of the first page of the movement "Zum Eingang" (Introit)
EnglishGerman Mass
CatalogueD 872
Year1827 (1827)
FormHymn cycle
TextJohann Philipp Neumann
LanguageGerman
Movements8, with an appendix
VocalSTB soloists, SATB choir
Instrumentalwind instruments, timpani and basso continuo
Portrait of Franz Schubert by Franz Eybl (1827)

The cycle's original scoring was plain: SATB choir with organ accompaniment. Decades after Schubert died, a grander edition was published: SATB choir, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani and basso continuo. Besides the now standard misnomer Deutsche Messe, the cycle is also sometimes called the Wind Mass due to the preponderance of wind instruments in this just-listed orchestration.[1]

Background

The Deutsche Messe stems from a tradition of low masses, settings of religious texts in vernacular languages in Austria and southern Germany.[2] It was commissioned by Johann Philipp Neumann, who was interested in simple music designed to appeal to "the widest possible congregation".[3] Neumann wrote the German hymns, which Schubert scored in a block-chordal, homophonic style, suitable for congregational singing.[4] Schubert commenced the work in December 1826, completing and publishing it in 1827.[5] Neumann had previously written the libretto for Schubert's unfinished opera, Shakuntala.

Schubert intended it for usage in Catholic church service.[6] However, censorship prevented this from taking place; it was not approved for liturgical use.[7] The work has since gained popularity, and has been translated into other languages.[8] Richard Proulx arranged a version in English.[5]

Structure

The work contains nine movements, including eight hymns and an appendix. Most of the work is set in a moderate (mäßig) to slow (langsam) tempo, reflecting the solemnity of the service as well as consideration of church acoustics.[9]

Each of the hymns has a Latin counterpart in the Order of Mass. Performance time is approximately 40 minutes, if performed as a cycle with all the verses.[1]

  1. Zum Eingang (At the Introit), Mäßig, F major, common time: "Wohin soll ich mich wenden"
  2. Zum Gloria, Mit Majestät, B-flat major, common time: "Ehre, Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe"
  3. Zum Evangelium und Credo, Nicht zu langsam, G major, 6/8: "Noch lag die Schöpfung formlos da"
  4. Zum Offertorium, Sehr langsam, C major, 3/4: "Du gabst, o Herr, mir Sein und Leben"
  5. Zum Sanctus, Sehr langsam, E-flat major, 3/4: "Heilig, heilig, heilig"
  6. Nach der Wandlung (After the consecration), Sehr langsam, G major, common time: "Betrachtend Deine Huld und Güte"
  7. Zum Agnus Dei, Mäßig, B-flat major, 6/8: "Mein Heiland, Herr und Meister"
  8. Schlußgesang (Recessional hymn), Nicht zu langsam, F major, 3/4: "Herr, Du hast mein Flehn vernommen"
  9. Anhang (Appendix): Das Gebet des Herrn (The Lord's Prayer), Mäßig, E minor ending in parallel major, 6/8: "Anbetend Deine Macht und Größe"

Notes
  1. Shrock 2009, p. 385.
  2. Glover 1990, pp. 70–71.
  3. Newbould 1999, p. 284.
  4. Newbould 1999, p. 285.
  5. Glover 1990, p. 71.
  6. Biesinger 2006, p. 690.
  7. Hanson 1985, p. 46.
  8. Foley & Bangert 2000, p. 276.
  9. Montgomery 1994, p. 237.

References
  • Shrock, Dennis (2009). Choral Repertoire. ISBN 9780199716623.
  • Glover, Raymond F., ed. (1990). The Hymnal 1982 Companion. ISBN 9780898696868.
  • Newbould, Brian (1999). Schubert: The Music and the Man. ISBN 9780520219571.
  • Biesinger, Joseph A. (2006). Germany: A reference guide from the Renaissance to the present. ISBN 9780816074716.
  • Hanson, Alice Mary (1985). Musical Life in Biedermeier Vienna. ISBN 9780521257992.
  • Foley, Edward; Bangert, Mark Paul (2000). Worship Music: A concise dictionary. ISBN 9780814658895.
  • Montgomery, David (1994). "Tempo, Time, and Character". Franz Schubert's Music in Performance: Compositional ideals, notational intent, historical realities, pedagogical foundations. ISBN 9781576470251.
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