Deutsche Messe (Schubert)
| Deutsche Messe | |
|---|---|
| by Franz Schubert | |
|
|
| Catalogue | D 872 |
| Year | 1827 |
| Form | Mass |
| Text | Johann Philipp Neumann |
| Language | German |
| Movements | 8, with an appendix |
| Vocal | SATB choir |
| Instrumental | wind instruments, timpani and basso continuo |
Deutsche Messe (German Mass), D 872, is a mass composed by Franz Schubert in 1827. Its text is not the Latin liturgical text, but a sequence of poems in German by Johann Philipp Neumann who commissioned the work. It was originally scored for SATB choir, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 3 trombones, timpani and basso continuo. It is also known as the Gesänge zur Feier des heiligen Opfers der Messe ("Songs for the celebration of the holy offering of the Mass"), and the "Wind Mass" due to its orchestration of primarily wind instruments.
The Deutsche Messe stems from a tradition of low masses, settings of religious texts in vernacular languages in Austria and southern Germany. It was commissioned by Johann Philipp Neumann, who was interested in simple music designed to appeal to "the widest possible congregation". Neumann wrote the German hymns, which Schubert scored in a block-chordal, homophonic style, suitable for congregational singing. Schubert commenced the work in December 1826, completing and publishing it in 1827. Neumann had previously written the libretto for Schubert's unfinished opera, Shakuntala.
Schubert intended it for usage in Catholic church service. However, censorship prevented this from taking place; as an unauthorised German translation of the Mass, it was not approved for liturgical use. The work has since gained popularity, and has been translated into other languages.Richard Proulx arranged a version in English.
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