Orchestra SATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 recorders, 2 oboes, 3 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, 2 (3) violins, 2 violas, cello, basso continuo

SKU: CA.5507549

Ode. Version of the first performance and version of 1751. Composed by George Frideric Handel. Edited by Felix Loy. This edition: urtext. Stuttgart Urtext Edition: Handel. Organ. Innovative practice aids, Sacred vocal music, Oratorios. Single Part, Organ. Composed 1736/1751. HWV 75. 60 pages. Duration 85 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 55.075/49. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.5507549).

ISBN 9790007171315. Text language: German/English.

For the magnificent opening of the oratorio season at the beginning of 1736 Handel presented a composition which, like hardly any of his other oratorios, gave him the opportunity to display his musical artistry: John Dryden's ode Alexander's Feast or the Power of Music, published in 1696, demonstrates the power of music by the example of the ancient hero, Alexander the Great. From the impressive lament on the death of Darius, the King of Persia, to the boisterous Praise of Bacchus Handel avails himself of the entire breadth of the musical representation of the emotions and the possibilities for expression. In the text by Newburg Hamilton added at the end of work St. Cecilia elevates the events of the ancient heathen story, which Handel expressed in plastic, skillful polyphony. Later, this homage to the patron saint of church music, Handel also present the opportunity to perform the work on St. Cecilia's Day (22 November). For the first time the present new edition is based consistently on Handel's conducting score, which he used for his own performances of the oratorio, thus not only eliminating timeworn errors, but also offering clarity concerning the choruses, the arias and recitatives, actually performed in Handel's concerts, as well as their sequence of performance. The new Carus edition offers two performance versions: the version of the premiere in 1736, as well as a revised version from 1751. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Concerto for Harp HWV 294 (CV 55.294) is also possible; Handel composed this work especially for Alexander's Feast (as an illustration of Timotheus, the ancient poet who played the lyre). For this purpose the edition contains the appropriate alternatives for the sequence of the movements. Score and part available separately - see item CA.5507500.

Orchestra SATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 recorders, 2 oboes, 3 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, 2 (3) violins, 2 violas, cello, basso continuo

SKU: CA.5507505

Ode. Version of the first performance and version of 1751. Composed by George Frideric Handel. Edited by Felix Loy. This edition: urtext. Stuttgart Urtext Edition: Handel. Innovative practice aids, Sacred vocal music, Oratorios. Choral Score. Composed 1736/1751. HWV 75. 40 pages. Duration 85 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 55.075/05. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.5507505).

ISBN 9790007171230. Text language: German/English.

For the magnificent opening of the oratorio season at the beginning of 1736 Handel presented a composition which, like hardly any of his other oratorios, gave him the opportunity to display his musical artistry: John Dryden's ode Alexander's Feast or the Power of Music, published in 1696, demonstrates the power of music by the example of the ancient hero, Alexander the Great. From the impressive lament on the death of Darius, the King of Persia, to the boisterous Praise of Bacchus Handel avails himself of the entire breadth of the musical representation of the emotions and the possibilities for expression. In the text by Newburg Hamilton added at the end of work St. Cecilia elevates the events of the ancient heathen story, which Handel expressed in plastic, skillful polyphony. Later, this homage to the patron saint of church music, Handel also present the opportunity to perform the work on St. Cecilia's Day (22 November). For the first time the present new edition is based consistently on Handel's conducting score, which he used for his own performances of the oratorio, thus not only eliminating timeworn errors, but also offering clarity concerning the choruses, the arias and recitatives, actually performed in Handel's concerts, as well as their sequence of performance. The new Carus edition offers two performance versions: the version of the premiere in 1736, as well as a revised version from 1751. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Concerto for Harp HWV 294 (CV 55.294) is also possible; Handel composed this work especially for Alexander's Feast (as an illustration of Timotheus, the ancient poet who played the lyre). For this purpose the edition contains the appropriate alternatives for the sequence of the movements. Score available separately - see item CA.5507500.

Orchestra SATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 recorders, 2 oboes, 3 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, 2 (3) violins, 2 violas, cello, basso continuo

SKU: CA.5507519

Ode. Version of the first performance and version of 1751. Composed by George Frideric Handel. Edited by Felix Loy. This edition: urtext. Stuttgart Urtext Edition: Handel. Complete orchestral parts. Innovative practice aids, Sacred vocal music, Oratorios. Set of Orchestra Parts. Composed 1736/1751. HWV 75. Duration 85 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 55.075/19. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.5507519).

ISBN 9790007171438. Text language: German/English.

For the magnificent opening of the oratorio season at the beginning of 1736 Handel presented a composition which, like hardly any of his other oratorios, gave him the opportunity to display his musical artistry: John Dryden's ode Alexander's Feast or the Power of Music, published in 1696, demonstrates the power of music by the example of the ancient hero, Alexander the Great. From the impressive lament on the death of Darius, the King of Persia, to the boisterous Praise of Bacchus Handel avails himself of the entire breadth of the musical representation of the emotions and the possibilities for expression. In the text by Newburg Hamilton added at the end of work St. Cecilia elevates the events of the ancient heathen story, which Handel expressed in plastic, skillful polyphony. Later, this homage to the patron saint of church music, Handel also present the opportunity to perform the work on St. Cecilia's Day (22 November). For the first time the present new edition is based consistently on Handel's conducting score, which he used for his own performances of the oratorio, thus not only eliminating timeworn errors, but also offering clarity concerning the choruses, the arias and recitatives, actually performed in Handel's concerts, as well as their sequence of performance. The new Carus edition offers two performance versions: the version of the premiere in 1736, as well as a revised version from 1751. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Concerto for Harp HWV 294 (CV 55.294) is also possible; Handel composed this work especially for Alexander's Feast (as an illustration of Timotheus, the ancient poet who played the lyre). For this purpose the edition contains the appropriate alternatives for the sequence of the movements. Score and parts available separately - see item CA.5507500.

Orchestra SATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 recorders, 2 oboes, 3 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, 2 (3) violins, 2 violas, cello, basso continuo

SKU: CA.5507509

Ode. Version of the first performance and version of 1751. Composed by George Frideric Handel. Edited by Felix Loy. This edition: urtext. 2x 55.075/21 2 flutes, 1x 55.075/22 oboe 1, 1x 55.075/23 oboe 2, 3x 55.075/24 3 bassoons, 2x 55.075/31 2 horns, 3x 55.075/32 2 trumpets, 3x 55.075/32 2 trumpets, 3x 55.075/32 2 trumpets, 3x 55.075/32 2 trumpets. Stuttgart Urtext Edition: Handel. Harmony parts. Innovative practice aids, Sacred vocal music, Oratorios. Set of Orchestra Parts. Composed 1736/1751. HWV 75. Duration 85 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 55.075/09. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.5507509).

ISBN 9790007226794. Text language: German/English.

For the magnificent opening of the oratorio season at the beginning of 1736 Handel presented a composition which, like hardly any of his other oratorios, gave him the opportunity to display his musical artistry: John Dryden's ode Alexander's Feast or the Power of Music, published in 1696, demonstrates the power of music by the example of the ancient hero, Alexander the Great. From the impressive lament on the death of Darius, the King of Persia, to the boisterous Praise of Bacchus Handel avails himself of the entire breadth of the musical representation of the emotions and the possibilities for expression. In the text by Newburg Hamilton added at the end of work St. Cecilia elevates the events of the ancient heathen story, which Handel expressed in plastic, skillful polyphony. Later, this homage to the patron saint of church music, Handel also present the opportunity to perform the work on St. Cecilia's Day (22 November). For the first time the present new edition is based consistently on Handel's conducting score, which he used for his own performances of the oratorio, thus not only eliminating timeworn errors, but also offering clarity concerning the choruses, the arias and recitatives, actually performed in Handel's concerts, as well as their sequence of performance. The new Carus edition offers two performance versions: the version of the premiere in 1736, as well as a revised version from 1751. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Concerto for Harp HWV 294 (CV 55.294) is also possible; Handel composed this work especially for Alexander's Feast (as an illustration of Timotheus, the ancient poet who played the lyre). For this purpose the edition contains the appropriate alternatives for the sequence of the movements. Score and parts available separately - see item CA.5507500.

Orchestra SATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 recorders, 2 oboes, 3 bassoon, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, 2 (3) violin, 2 violas, cello, basso continuo

SKU: CA.5507500

Ode. Version of the first performance and version of 1751. Composed by George Frideric Handel. Edited by Felix Loy. This edition: urtext. Stuttgart Urtext Edition: Handel. Innovative practice aids, Sacred vocal music, Oratorios. Full score. Composed 1736/1751. HWV 75. 184 pages. Duration 85 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 55.075/00. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.5507500).

ISBN 9790007167769. Language: German/English.

For the magnificent opening of the oratorio season at the beginning of 1736 Handel presented a composition which, like hardly any of his other oratorios, gave him the opportunity to display his musical artistry: John Dryden's ode Alexander's Feast or the Power of Music, published in 1696, demonstrates the power of music by the example of the ancient hero, Alexander the Great. From the impressive lament on the death of Darius, the King of Persia, to the boisterous Praise of Bacchus Handel avails himself of the entire breadth of the musical representation of the emotions and the possibilities for expression. In the text by Newburg Hamilton added at the end of work St. Cecilia elevates the events of the ancient heathen story, which Handel expressed in plastic, skillful polyphony. Later, this homage to the patron saint of church music, Handel also present the opportunity to perform the work on St. Cecilia's Day (22 November). For the first time the present new edition is based consistently on Handel's conducting score, which he used for his own performances of the oratorio, thus not only eliminating timeworn errors, but also offering clarity concerning the choruses, the arias and recitatives, actually performed in Handel's concerts, as well as their sequence of performance. The new Carus edition offers two performance versions: the version of the premiere in 1736, as well as a revised version from 1751. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Concerto for Harp HWV 294 (CV 55.294) is also possible; Handel composed this work especially for Alexander's Feast (as an illustration of Timotheus, the ancient poet who played the lyre). For this purpose the edition contains the appropriate alternatives for the sequence of the movements.

(0.2+da caccia.0.0/1.0.0.0,cem,or g,str,SATB soli,SATB chorus)

SKU: TM.01751SC

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Score. Lucks Music Library #A2501. Published by Lucks Music Library (TM.01751SC).

Sandra Dackow Little Known Gem - Grade IV+. Ed. by Hoffmann. This delightful set of works in the keys of G, A, and B-flat major takes full advantage of multiple stops, chords, and fiddle writing that lays easily under the hand and is fun to play. The fast movements are vigorous and the contrasting slow movements are not particularly fussy or florid, though they include some ornamentation. In the Allegro sections, musicians should approach the playing as they would a work by Haydn or Mozart: eighth and quarter notes off the string and at the frog, and sixteenth notes on the string. Stamitz's players would have followed the general rule of the down bow, where the strong beat would begin with a down bow. In Concerto No. 1 in G, the Violin I parts reach to sixth position, requiring high G's. Unusual writing for its time, these passages are both logical and easy for players to find and hear. Cello and bass parts reach high F's on occasion and require third, fourth and fifth positions. The second violin and viola parts do not require extended ranges, making this work practical for an upper intermediate orchestra. The slow movements transition between different keys and requires the low strings to use extension notes such as G-sharp and A-sharp.

(0.2+da caccia.0.0/1.0.0.0,cem,or g,str,SATB soli,SATB chorus)

SKU: TM.01751SET

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Set Type: A. Set of parts. Lucks Music Library #A2501. Published by Lucks Music Library (TM.01751SET).

Sandra Dackow Little Known Gem - Grade IV+. Ed. by Hoffmann. This delightful set of works in the keys of G, A, and B-flat major takes full advantage of multiple stops, chords, and fiddle writing that lays easily under the hand and is fun to play. The fast movements are vigorous and the contrasting slow movements are not particularly fussy or florid, though they include some ornamentation. In the Allegro sections, musicians should approach the playing as they would a work by Haydn or Mozart: eighth and quarter notes off the string and at the frog, and sixteenth notes on the string. Stamitz's players would have followed the general rule of the down bow, where the strong beat would begin with a down bow. In Concerto No. 1 in G, the Violin I parts reach to sixth position, requiring high G's. Unusual writing for its time, these passages are both logical and easy for players to find and hear. Cello and bass parts reach high F's on occasion and require third, fourth and fifth positions. The second violin and viola parts do not require extended ranges, making this work practical for an upper intermediate orchestra. The slow movements transition between different keys and requires the low strings to use extension notes such as G-sharp and A-sharp.

Solo voices, choir, orchestra (2 Soprano Voice Solo, Alto Voice Solo, Tenor Voice Solo, Bass Voice Solo, SATB Choir , Fl, 2 recorder, 2 Ob, bassoon, 2 Trp, trombone, 4V, Va, Vagb, Bassi (Vc, double bass, Erzlaute, Lt-B, harpisc.))

SKU: BA.BA04096

Oratorio in two parts. Composed by George Frideric Handel. Edited by Terence Best. This edition: complete edition, urtext edition. Linen. Halle Handel Edition (HHA) Series I, Volume 3. Complete edition, Score. HWV 47. Duration 1 hour, 50 minutes. Baerenreiter Verlag #BA04096_00. Published by Baerenreiter Verlag (BA.BA04096).

ISBN 9790006550098. 33 x 26 cm inches. Text Language: Italian. Preface: Terence Best. Text: Carlo Sigismondo Capece.

The Italian oratorio La Resurrezione (The Resurrection) was written during Handel’s time in Rome. It was performed on Easter Sunday 1708 with great splendour and extravagance by a large orchestra conducted by Arcangelo Corelli in the Palazzo Bonelli, the Roman palazzo of Handel’s patron the Marchese Francesco Maria Ruspoli.
In its dramatic structure and characterisation of the protagonists, the work displays a striking affinity with Italian opera. Lucifer’s raging sixty fourth notes call to mind the demon characters in Venetian opera and Maddalena’s arias are so full of expressive power and virtuosity that Handel later incorporated one of them into his opera Agrippina. The unusual musical richness of this work and the virtuosic and masterly shaping of the arias make it a welcome addition to any concert programme.

About Barenreiter Urtext

What can I expect from a Barenreiter Urtext edition?< /p>

MUSICOLOGICA LLY SOUND
- A reliable musical text based on all available sources
- A description of the sources
- Information on the genesis and history of the work
- Valuable notes on performance practice
- Includes an introduction with critical commentary explaining source discrepancies and editorial decisions

... AND PRACTICAL
- Page-turns, fold-out pages, and cues where you need them
- A well-presented layout and a user-friendly format
- Excellent print quality
- Superior paper and binding

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Edited by Ulrich Leisinger. This edition: urtext. Stuttgart Urtext Edition: Bach vocal; Carus sheet music series: Vocal scores XL. Complete orchestral parts. Innovative practice aids, Masses, Latin, Lent and Passiontide. Orchestral Parts. BWV 232. Duration 100 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 31.232/19. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.3123219).

By Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Edited by Ernst Herttrich. For Soli SATB, SATB choir, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, 2 violin, viola, cello, double bass, organ. This edition: Paperbound. D-Dur (D major). Stuttgart Urtext Edition. German title: Missa solemnis. Masses, Latin. Vocal score. Language: Latin. Composed 1817/23. Op. 123. 128 pages. Duration 90 minutes. Published by Carus Verlag

Orchestra (Soli STB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Tr, 3 Trb, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb, Org) - Grade 3

SKU: CA.4068719

Composed by Robert Schumann. Edited by Hansjörg Ewert. Set of Orchestra Parts. Composed 1852. Op. 147. Duration 40 minutes. Carus Verlag #4068719. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.4068719).

ISBN 9790007311384. 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).

. Score and parts available separately - see item CA.4068700.

Orchestra (Soli STB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Tr, 3 Trb, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb, Org) - Grade 3

SKU: CA.4068706

Composed by Robert Schumann. Edited by Hansjörg Ewert. Choral Score. Composed 1852. Op. 147. Duration 40 minutes. Carus Verlag #4068706. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.4068706).

ISBN 9790007239725. 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).

. Score available separately - see item CA.4068700.

Orchestra (Soli STB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Tr, 3 Trb, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb, Org) - Grade 3

SKU: CA.4068709

Composed by Robert Schumann. Edited by Hansjörg Ewert. Set of Orchestra Parts. Composed 1852. Op. 147. Duration 40 minutes. Carus Verlag #4068709. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.4068709).

ISBN 9790007311322. 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).

. Score and parts available separately - see item CA.4068700.

By Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). Edited by Andreas Traub. For SATB Soli, SATB Choir, Flute, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 clarinos/trumpets, timpani, 2 Violin, viola, basso continuo. This edition: Paperbound. B-Dur (B-flat major). Stuttgart Urtext Edition. German title: Harmoniemesse in B XXII:14. Masses, Latin. Full score. Language: Latin. Hob. XXII:14. 216 pages. Duration 45 minutes. Published by Carus Verlag

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Edited by Ulrich Leisinger. For SSATB vocal soli, SSAATTBB choir, 2 flute, 3 oboe/2 oboe d'amore, 2 bassoon, horn, 3 trumpet, timpani, 2 violin, viola, basso continuo. This edition: Paperbound. Latin Masses. Study score. Language: Latin. BWV 232. 312 pages. Duration 100 minutes. Published by Carus Verlag

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Edited by Ulrich Leisinger. For SSATB vocal soli, SSAATTBB choir, 2 flute, 3 oboe/2 oboe d'amore, 2 bassoon, horn, 3 trumpet, timpani, 2 violin, viola, basso continuo. This edition: Paperbound. Latin Masses. Vocal score. Language: Latin. BWV 232. 184 pages. Duration 100 minutes. Published by Carus Verlag

Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Edited by Meinrad Walter. Carus book series: Studies of composers, Wort. Werk. Wirkung - publications with Deutsche Bibel-Gesellschaft. With CD. Book. Composed 1817/23. Op. 123. Duration 91 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 24.171/00. Published by Carus Verla

Solo voices, choir, 2 pianos, timpani With timpani part. Composed by Johannes Brahms (1833- 1897). Edited by Heinrich Poos. Arranged by Heinrich Poos. Score. Breitkopf and Haertel #PB 5697. Published by Breitkopf and Haertel

Orchestra Soli STB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Tr, 3 Trb, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb, Org - Grade 3

SKU: CA.4068700

Composed by Robert Schumann. Edited by Hansjörg Ewert. Carus digital: Extra digital products. Full Score. Composed 1852. Op. 147. Duration 40 minutes. Carus Verlag #4068700. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.4068700).

ISBN 9790007239701. Key: C minor. Latin.

A mass setting by Robert Schumann? This is still likely to cause surprise among audiences â?? 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 Schumannâ??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 â??fashioned with great loveâ?. 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 Schumannâ??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).

Orchestra Soli STB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Tr, 3 Trb, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb, Org - Grade 3

SKU: CA.4068703

Composed by Robert Schumann. Edited by Hansjörg Ewert. Vocal score. Composed 1852. Op. 147. Duration 40 minutes. Carus Verlag #4068703. Published by Carus Verlag (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 and organ, enabling performances without orchestra in smaller venues (Carus 40.687/45).