Mass No. 6 (Schubert)

Mass No. 6
by Franz Schubert
The Church of the Holy Trinity in Alsergrund, c. 1724, where the mass received its first performance in 1829
Key	E-flat major
Catalogue	D 950
Form	Missa solemnis
Composed	1828 (1828)
Performed	1829 (1829): Alsergrund Church of the Holy Trinity
Movements	6
Vocal	SATB choir and soloists
Instrumental	Orchestra

Mass No. 6 in E flat major, D 950, is a mass composed by Franz Schubert. It is scored for two tenor soloists, soprano, alto and bass soloists, SATB choir with divisi, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, violin I and II, viola, cello, and double bass. It was Schubert's final setting of the order of Mass, and is classified as a missa solemnis.

The first date to appear on the score is June 1828, although evidence exists that Schubert had begun to sketch it earlier than this. It was completed by July. It was composed in response to a commission or request from Michael Leitermayer, choirmaster of the (Alserkirche) in Alsergrund, Vienna. The mass was not performed until after Schubert's death, with a premiere in the Alserkirche on October 4, 1829. Ferdinand Schubert conducted the premiere, as well as a second performance in the on November 15, 1829.

The influence of Beethoven is felt in the mass, particularly in the "ambitious Beethovenian architecture". Schubert had been a torchbearer at Beethoven's funeral, which had been held in the Alserkirche. References to Bach's fugues are present in the Gloria and Agnus Dei, as well as Mozart's Requiem and Haydn's Heiligmesse.