Mayseder: Mass in E-Flat Major, Op. 64 & Violin Concerto No. 2, Op. 26

Featuring

Wiener Hofmusikkapelle
Herrenchor der Wiener Hofmusikkapelle
Thomas Christian Ensemble
Wiener Sängerknaben
Joseph Mayseder

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Compositional Technique

Unlike Paganini, Mayseder's Violin Concerto No. 2 in E minor, Op. 26, avoids techniques like double stop flageolets or left-hand pizzicatos, always prioritizing melody.

Cultural Impact

The Vienna Boys Choir's training and choral tradition are recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Austria.

Historical Context

The Vienna Boys Choir has roots dating back to 1296, and its formal establishment as the 'Hofmusikkapelle' by Emperor Maximilian I in 1498.

Composition History

Mayseder's Mass in E-flat major, Op. 64, premiered on June 18, 1848, at the Vienna Hofburgkapelle.

Performer Biography

Thomas Christian, the violinist and conductor on this album, made his debut at New York's Carnegie Hall at age nineteen, performing Paganini's First Violin Concerto.

Composer Biography

Joseph Mayseder, the composer, was a violin soloist for the Vienna Court Opera orchestra and, from 1830, also the concertmaster of the Vienna Hofmusikkapelle.

Critical Reception

Mayseder's Mass in E-flat major was so popular it was performed 130 times in the Hofburgkapelle by 1940 and earned the nickname 'New Year's Mass' for its frequent performances on New Year's Day.