Mozart: "Coronation" Mass - Ave verum corpus - Exsultate jubilate
3/6/2012, 19 Tracks, 1:10:39
Featuring
Andrew Nethsingha
Susan Gritton
Frances Bourne
Sam Furness
George Humphreys
Margaret Faultless
Simon Jones
Andrew Skidmore
Kate Aldridge
John Challenger
St. John's Sinfonia
Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Did you know?
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Compositional Technique
Mozart's motet Exsultate, jubilate (KV 165), though described as a motet, is essentially an operatic solo cantata, with its text being the only sacred element.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mozart's employer, Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo, mandated shorter Mass settings, which Mozart felt artistically compromised him, though these constraints led to a thrilling incisiveness in his work.
Recording & Production
This recording interpolates two of Mozart's Church Sonatas between movements of the 'Coronation' Mass to create textural and key contrast, addressing a common issue in concert performances of Masses.
Compositional Technique
The Missa brevis (KV 192) is known as the 'Little Credo Mass' because of a four-note 'Credo' motif that appears a dozen times and was later used by Mozart in his final symphony.
Composition History
Mozart composed the 'Coronation' Mass (KV 317) within weeks of being appointed Court Organist in Salzburg, a position he took despite his dissatisfaction with the city and its ruler.
Critical Reception
The 'Coronation' Mass (KV 317) earned its popular title because of its performance at the Imperial Coronation in Prague in 1792, nine months after Mozart's death.
Composition History
The 'Coronation' Mass (KV 317) was first performed as part of the Easter liturgy in Salzburg Cathedral on April 4, 1779, two weeks after its completion.
