Mass in C major, K. 259 "Organ solo"

The Missa brevis No. 8 in C major, K. 259, is a mass composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, probably in 1776.^[1] 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.^[1][2] The mass derives its nickname Orgelmesse or Orgelsolomesse (Organ Solo Mass) from the obbligato organ solo entry of the Benedictus.^[1][3] 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).^[4]

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

References

1. Sadie, Stanley (2006). Mozart: The Early Years 1756–1781.
2. Eisen, Cliff; Keefe, Simon, eds. (2006). The Cambridge Mozart Encyclopedia. p. 276.
3. Kennedy, Michael; Bourne, Joyce, eds. (2004). The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. p. 535.
4. Einstein, Alfred (1945). Mozart: His Character, His Work. p. 338.

External links

• Missa in C K. 259: Score in the Neue Mozart-Ausgabe
• Free scores of Missa brevis in C Major (KV 259) 'Organ solo' in the Choral Public Domain Library (ChoralWiki)
• Missa brevis in C major, K.259: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project