Orpheus Choir of Wellington September 2017 Photo: RNZ/David McCaw
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) composed this mass while employed as a court musician in Salzburg and its first performance was probably at Easter 1776, in Salzburg Cathedral.
It has the six standard movements of a Latin Mass and met his employer's request for brevity by avoiding repetitions of the text! The nickname 'Sparrow Mass' refers to the 'chirping' sounds heard in the accompaniment in the Sanctus and Benedictus movements.
Recorded 30 September 2017, Wellington Cathedral of St Paul by RNZ Concert
Producer: David McCaw
Engineer: Graham Kennedy
