Mass in C major, K. 262 "Missa longa"
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The Missa longa in C major, K. 262/246a, is a mass composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in May 1776.[1] Other sources claim it was composed in May 1775.[2] It is scored for SATB soloists, SATB choir, violin I and II, 2 oboes, 2 horns, 2 clarini (high trumpets), 3 trombones colla parte, timpani and basso continuo.
Missa longa in C major | |
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Mass by W. A. Mozart | |
Catalogue | K. 262/246a |
Composed | 1775 (1775): Salzburg |
Movements | 6 |
Vocal | SATB choir and soloists |
Instrumental |
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The mass is classed as a missa longa due to its length. However, due to its lack of extended writing for the solo parts, it has also been categorised as a missa brevis.[1] The occasion the mass was composed for remains debatable. It may have been composed at the Archbishop Colloredo's request for a special occasion at the Salzburg Cathedral, or at the directive of a different priest – Colloredo's preference for brief settings makes it unlikely that he would have approved of the missa longa.[3][4] Alternatively, it may have been composed for performance at St Peter's Church.[1][2]
The mass is divided into six movements.