The Great Mass: Mozart's Mass in C Minor, K. 427/417, and Vesperae Solennes de Confessore KV 339 (Vespers for the Saints)

The Great Mass in C minor, K. 427/417a, is the common name for the mass by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, considered one of his greatest works, composed in Vienna in 1782 and 1783, when he moved from Salzburg to Vienna. Written following his marriage to Constanze and not for a commission, it is a deeply personal, dramatic work featuring intense emotional music, including virtuoso soprano parts which were intended for his wife to sing. The large scale work, Missa Solemnis, is scored for two soprano soloists, a tenor, bass, double chorus and large orchestra.

The mass remained unfinished, missing large portions of the Credo and complete Agnus Dei. Why? This remains a mystery forever, although several theories have been put forward. Many have tried to complete the Mass, the most recent version, is by Shane Woodborne, a South African born composer now living in Salzburg, Austria. This newest version was commissioned by the Canta Society of Salzburg and the former director of music of the Salzburg Cathedral with whom Shane worked to produce this work and was premiered in October 2025 in the Salzburg Cathedral. Those familiar with the most often performed version will hear differences in some of Mozart's uncompleted movements and a brand new Angus Dei to conclude the work.

The Symphony Choir is excited to present this completed work for the first time to South African audiences!

Included in the performance is the Vesperae Solennes de Confessore KV 339 (Vespers for the Saints) which is a 1780 sacred choral masterpiece by Mozart, written for Salzburg Cathedral. This 6-movement setting for soloists, choir, and orchestra features five psalms and a Magnificat , including the famous soprano aria Laudate Dominum. At the first performance of the Vesperae at Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart included Gregorian chants in between each movement to celebrate All Saints Day. These beautiful haunting chants will be included in the performance by the Symphony Choir, just at Mozart would have intended.

The Vesperae Solennes de Confessore was the last large liturgical work that Mozart wrote for Salzburg before going to Vienna for 6 years and the Great Mass was the first work he wrote for Salzburg on his return from Vienna.