Cherubini: Messe solennelle in D Minor
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- Composer: Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842)
- Instrumentation (this edition): Piano Reduction, SATB Choir
- Originally for: SATB Choir, Orchestra
- Work: Messe solennelle in D Minor
- Work Language: Latin
- ISMN:
- Size: 7.5 x 10.6 inches
- Pages: 176
Description
How does a composer apply for a position at court? with their own music, of course! When, in 1810, Luigi Cherubini wanted to recommend himself as Joseph Haydn's successor at the court of the Hungarian Prince Nikolaus II. Esterházy, he composed his Messe solennelle in D Minor. Cherubini chose a very expansive, almost opulent mass that offered him ample opportunity to demonstrate his skills. The work is longer than Beethoven's Missa solemnis and is certainly among the most extensive settings of the Mass Ordinary – the Gloria alone comprises nearly 900 measures. However, the mass is not overwhelming merely due to its scale; it also relies on carefully coordinated contrasts. One example is the Et incarnatus. The first part, written for solo voices, is reserved and reverent – sung largely a cappella. in the second half, the movement intensifies over rhythmic ostinatos with the help of a very long and prominent pedal point in the vocal lines and clarinets, giving the Crucifixion scene an unrelenting and tragic character. Bold – yet still captivating – harmonic turns and the contrast with the first part of the movement make its effect all the more striking. At court, Cherubini's efforts did not lead to the desired appointment, but he successfully published his Messe solennelle himself in 1825.
Drawing on the autograph score, Wolfgang Hochstein's critical edition is the first to offer the Hosanna in the form originally intended by the composer. It also contains a useful alternative introduction to the Sanctus, which survives in the autograph but was not included in the first published version. The critical edition thus offers valuable insights into this multifaceted sacred work from the period between the Classical and Romantic eras.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
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Paperback
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Set of Parts
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Solo Part with Piano Reduction
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Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
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Wind Set
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Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Cherubini: Messe solennelle in D Minor
