The grandeur of Mozart's 'Waisenhausmesse' led Viennese musical scholars to doubt that a twelve-year-old could have composed it, due to its advanced orchestration.
Recording & Production
This album is part of a three-year project by Christoph Poppen and the Cologne Chamber Orchestra to record all of Mozart's Masses, completed in September 2023.
Compositional Technique
The Missa solemnis in C minor, K. 139, was the first time Mozart wrote for an expanded orchestra including three trombones, four trumpets, and timpani.
Notable Performances
The Missa solemnis in C minor, K. 139, known as the 'Waisenhausmesse', was performed in the presence of Empress Maria Theresia and her children, and Mozart himself directed the performance.
Composition History
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, at just twelve years old, was commissioned by Emperor Joseph II to compose a Mass, a trumpet concerto, and an offertory for the consecration of the Waisenhaus (Orphanage) Church in Vienna.
Recording & Production
The Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Germany's oldest chamber orchestra, celebrated its 100th birthday in March 2023 with a concert featuring renowned soloists.
You might also enjoy...
Mozart: Complete Masses, Vol. 4
Verspers/ Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate; Motets
Mozart: Requiem / Choral Works
Mozart: Five Masses
Mozart: Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, K.339 etc
Mozart: Exsultate, Jubilate; Vesperae solennes de confessore; Kyrie in D minor; Ave Verum Corpus
