Vesperae solennes de confessore
1780 sacred choral composition by Mozart / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vesperae solennes de confessore (Solemn Vespers for a Confessor), K. 339, is a sacred choral composition, written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1780. It is scored for SATB choir and soloists, violin I, violin II, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones colla parte, 2 timpani, and basso continuo (violoncello, double bass, and organ, with optional bassoon obbligato).
Vesperae solennes de confessore | |
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Solemn Vespers by W. A. Mozart | |
Catalogue | K. 339 |
Text |
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Language | Latin |
Composed | 1780 (1780): Salzburg |
Movements | 6 |
Vocal | SATB choir and soloists |
Instrumental |
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The setting was composed for liturgical use in the Salzburg Cathedral.[1] The title "de confessore" was not Mozart's own, and was added by a later hand to his manuscript. It suggests that the work was intended for vespers held on a specific day on the liturgical calendar of saints ("confessors"); however, the saint in question has not been conclusively established if there even was one.[2] This was Mozart's final choral work composed for the cathedral.[3]
Structurally, it is very similar to Vesperae solennes de Dominica (K. 321), composed in 1779. The setting is divided into 6 movements; as in Dominica, a setting of the Minor Doxology (Gloria Patri) concludes all movements, each recapitulating the opening themes. The first three psalms are scored in a bold, exuberant manner, contrasting with the strict, stile antico counterpoint of the a cappella fourth psalm,[3] and the tranquility of the fifth movement. The Magnificat sees a return to the style of the opening settings.
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- Dixit Dominus (Psalm 110) Allegro vivace, C major, 3/4
- Confitebor tibi Domine (Psalm 111) Allegro, E-flat major, common time
- Beatus vir qui timet Dominum (Psalm 112) Allegro vivace, G major, 3/4
- Laudate pueri Dominum (Psalm 113) Allegro, D minor, cut common time
- Laudate Dominum omnes gentes (Psalm 117) Andante, F major, 6/8
- Mozart departs from the structure of K. 321 in this movement. The earlier setting of Laudate Dominum is a highly melismatic soprano solo, with no choral interlude. In K. 339, the soprano solo is much simpler; the choir quietly enters at the conclusion of the psalm with the Gloria Patri, and the soloist rejoins them at the Amen.
- This movement is well known outside the context of the larger work, and is often performed in isolation.[4]
- Magnificat (Canticle for Vespers) Andante, C major, common time
- —"Et exultavit..." Allegro, C major, common time