German Fair (Schubert)

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lyricist J. P. Neumann and composer Franz Schubert

The so-called Deutsche Messe (original title: "Gesänge zur Feier des Heiligen Opfers der Messe", D  872) is a sacred musical work by the composer Franz Schubert from 1826.

It comprises eight mass chants and an appendix.

history

The work was commissioned by the professor at the Vienna Technical University Johann Philipp Neumann , who also wrote the texts. There are two versions by Schubert himself, one for a four-part mixed choir with organ and another that also includes two oboes , clarinets , bassoons , horns and trumpets , as well as three trombones , timpani and a double bass . There are also several arrangements by Schubert's brother Ferdinand , including one for three boys' voices with organ and one for four male voices without accompaniment . However, the popular work has found dissemination through a large number of other arrangements, which were often tailored to the needs and possibilities of the parish.

The Deutsche Messe got its name from the fact that, unlike most sacred works of the time, it used the German language. This, as well as the very free, associative and romanticizing transmission and interpretation of the liturgical text (see below) led to the initial rejection of the opus by the Vienna Archbishop's Consistory , but soon gained wide popularity, especially through the spread of the German prayer and singing mass in the first half of the 20th century.

The chants of the Deutsche Messe are still very widespread and popular in everyday church life, especially in Austria and southern Germany . Individual songs from the mass are contained in the main part of the Catholic prayer and hymn book Praise God , namely where should I turn (GL 145), honor, glory be to God on high (GL 413) and holy, holy, holy is the Lord ( GL 388); the complete mass is printed in several regional appendices to the praise of God , B. in the Austrian edition under number 711.

description

music

Musically, the Deutsche Messe is characterized by simple, catchy, diatonic melodies and regular rhythms ; Modulation is largely avoided, making it easy for everyone to sing. Its eight strophic and homophonic parts are reminiscent of congregational singing in their simple syllabic declamation and clearly reveal that its creator achieved world fame, especially as a song composer . In doing so, he is clearly based on the example of Michael Haydn's German High Mass , a composer he held in high regard .

text

The text does not represent a translation of the traditional Latin models, but rather is based on the collection of spiritual songs for the holy mass sacrifice of the client J. P. Neumann from the year 1826. While the Latin texts of the Catholic rite largely focus on the praise of God , they move Texts of the Deutsche Messe rather focus on people with their earthly worries and needs and should also serve as mass devotions . Following the Roman rite before the reform of 1969 , the mass consists of the following parts:

  1. To the entrance ("Where should I turn")
  2. Zum Gloria ("Honor, honor be to God in the highest")
  3. On the gospel and creed ("Creation was still formless")
  4. To the offertory ("You gave me, Lord, being and life")
  5. To the Sanctus ("Holy, Holy, Holy! Holy is the Lord!")
  6. After the elevation , or: After the change ("Considering your grace and goodness")
  7. To the Agnus Dei ("My Savior, Lord and Master")
  8. Closing song ("Lord, you have heard my supplication")
Attachment. The Lord's Prayer ("Worshiping Your Power and Greatness")

Web links