| Mass No. 1 | |
|---|---|
| byFranz Schubert | |
 Lichtental Parish Church. The mass was composed for the church's centennial. | |
| Key | F major |
| Catalogue | D 105 |
| Form | Missa solemnis |
| Composed | 1814 (1814) |
| Performed | 25 September 1814 (1814-09-25):Lichtental |
| Movements | 6 |
| Vocal | SATB choir and soloists |
| Instrumental | orchestra and organ |
Mass No. 1 inF major,D 105, is amass composed byFranz Schubert in 1814. It is scored for twosopranosoloists, twotenor soloists,alto andbass soloists,SATB choir,oboe,clarinet,bassoon, 2horns,violin I and II,viola, andbasso continuo (cello,double bass andorgan). It was the first of Schubert's masses to be performed,[1] and is of themissa solemnis type.[2]
The mass was composed for the centennial celebration of the parish church ofLichtental, now part of Vienna.[1] The Schuberts' family church, it is also known asSchubertkirche (Schubert church).[3] Schubert received an invitation to compose a mass for the anniversary in May 1814.[4] The premiere was conducted on 25 September with an estimated 62 performers, a large contingent for contemporary performances.[4] The composer's brotherFerdinand played the organ, Michael Holzer served aschoirmaster,Joseph Mayseder served asconcertmaster,Therese Grob sang the soprano solo, and Schubert conducted.[5] Schubert's teacherAntonio Salieri may have attended the premiere; afterwards, he is said to have embraced his student with the words "der mir noch viele Ehre machen wird" ("You will bring me yet more honour").[6]
Ferdinand wrote that a second performance took place ten days later atSt Augustine's Court Church, before a prestigious audience that may have included foreign dignitaries.[5]
Schubert's love for Therese Grob may have been kindled during the writing of this mass.[7] The prominent first soprano solo, with its hightessitura, was designed to showcase her voice.[5][8]
Schubert composed an alternativeDona nobis pacem (formerlyD 185) in April 1815. This may have been composed for a service during the public outcry overNapoleon's escape from Elba;[8] alternatively, it may have been for a second performance of the mass at the Lichtental church onTrinity Sunday.[4] It replaces a shorter, lessfugal section in the 1814 version.
The piece is divided into sixmovements. Performances require approximately 40 minutes. Notes are based on Schubert's 1815 revision.
