Franz Schubert

Mass No. 2 in G, D. 167 (1815)

This is the second of six Masses composed by Franz Schubert (1797-1828), also referred to frequently as the "Mass in G," and it remains the best known of the three shorter settings titled "Mass." Composed in 1815, it was originally scored for choir, string orchestra, organ, and the soloists and remained one of the composer's less-noted works, not even being printed until 1845. But the Mass's later popularity also led Franz' brother Ferdinand to add winds and timpani after Franz' death. And a 1980s discovery of a set of parts that include trumpets and brass, in addition to some minor changes, suggests that Schubert intended something grander than the original scoring. The current edition may be played with the original strings and organ only or with the addition of the oboe/clarinets, bassoons, trumpets, and timpani. Apart from some passages for the soprano, this Mass has only modest solo passages, and it is written in a devotional mood. Instrumentation: 0.2(opt.subCl).0.2(opt): 0.2(opt).0.0: Timp(opt): Org: Str (4-4-3-3-3 in set): Solo SATB: Mix Chor. Vocal score and choral score available separately.