Robert Schumann: Missa sacra op. 147: Mixed Choir

SKU: CA.4068703

ISBN 9790007239718. Key: C minor. Latin.

A mass setting by Robert Schumann? This is still likely to cause surprise among audiences – after all, Schumann is not generally viewed as a sacred composer. Indeed, his little-known late work, the Missa sacra, Op. 147, is a discovery not just for listeners but often for the performers themselves. The mass combines an acute fascination with sacred liturgy typical of Schumann’s time with the pragmatism of its intended use by a local choral society. The composer employs his considerable skills to create a captivating and varied score that is almost ethereal in the Kyrie, leading to passages of an intimate and lyrical piano that alternate with fortissimo for words of praise, while always displaying the utmost sensitivity and a delight in dissonance. The composer declared his setting to be “fashioned with great love”. The demanding orchestral mass can be realized with limited means. The solo parts can be filled from the choir. The work, which the composer himself did not have published, is here reissued on the basis of Schumann’s partial autograph score. Carus has also produced an arrangement of the work for choir & organ, enabling performances without orchestra in smaller venues (Carus 40.687/45).

SKU: CA.4068700

ISBN 9790007239701. Key: C minor. Latin.

A mass setting by Robert Schumann? This is still likely to cause surprise among audiences �?? after all, Schumann is not generally viewed as a sacred composer. Indeed, his little-known late work, the Missa sacra, Op. 147, is a discovery not just for listeners but often for the performers themselves. The mass combines an acute fascination with sacred liturgy typical of Schumann�??s time with the pragmatism of its intended use by a local choral society. The composer employs his considerable skills to create a captivating and varied score that is almost ethereal in the Kyrie, leading to passages of an intimate and lyrical piano that alternate with fortissimo for words of praise, while always displaying the utmost sensitivity and a delight in dissonance. The composer declared his setting to be �??fashioned with great love�?�. The demanding orchestral mass can be realized with limited means. The solo parts can be filled from the choir. The work, which the composer himself did not have published, is here reissued on the basis of Schumann�??s partial autograph score. Carus has also produced an arrangement of the work for choir and organ, enabling performances without orchestra in smaller venues (Carus 40.687/45).

SKU: CA.4068705

ISBN 9790007130794. Key: C minor. Language: Latin.

According to statements by the composer, the Missa sacra is suitable for both worship services, as well as for concerts, and at the same time it is not difficult to perform. The expressive harmonies, precise use of counterpoint and its concise themes show that the Missa sacra is a highly romantic work which belongs among the great masterpieces of 19th century sacred music. Following a performance in 1861 Clara Schumann wrote to Johannes Brahms: The Kyrie is deeply moving, and as if cast from one mold; in the Sanctus individual movements had such a wonderful sonorous effect that chills ran down my spine. For the present edition Zsigmond Szathmary has made a new arrangement for organ of the original orchestra accompaniment. Additional editions in the Series Choir & Organ.