Weber: Missa sancta No. 2, Op. 76

Description

As Kapellmeister at Dresden's royal theater, Carl Maria von Weber's primary task was to establish a German opera. However, it was also part of his duties to take care of church music every three weeks. This assignment was gladly accepted by the opera composer Weber, who regarded his artistic talents as a "gift from heaven". His Missa sancta No. 2, also known as the "Jubel-Messe" (Jubilation Mass), was composed for the service held to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of the Saxon royal couple Friedrich August I (1750-1827) and Marie Amalie Auguste (1752-1828) in January 1819. The festive nature of the Mass is confirmed by the offertory "In die solemnitatis", whose inclusion follows court practice in Dresden at the time.

Due to its relative brevity, the "Jubel-Messe" is also well suited for inclusion in a liturgical framework today. The vocal parts in this Mass can easily be mastered by amateur choirs for festive occasions in church or in concert.