Mass in E minor WAB 27 (2nd Version, 1882) (Vocal Score)
For 8-part Mixed Choir and Winds, Urtext
by Anton Bruckner
SSAATTBB - Sheet Music

Choir Sacred SSAATTBB chorus, piano

SKU: PE.EP10915

For 8-part Mixed Choir and Winds, Urtext. Composed by Anton Bruckner. Edited by Rüdiger Bornhöft. Choral Works (inc. Oratorios). Edition Peters. Choral. Book. Duration 00:30:00. Edition Peters #98-EP10915. Published by Edition Peters (PE.EP10915).

ISBN 9790014106805. English.

When the E minor Mass was premiered in Linz it was heard in its first version. Bruckner made several changes to this version in 1876 and 1882: he reviewed its architecture and phrase structure and improved the melodic writing and the instrumentation in several passages.

The second version, completed in July 1882, is generally preferred today and forms the basis of the present edition. It received its first public hearing in the composer's presence on October 4, 1885, when it was given in the Old Cathedral at the conclusion of the centennial celebrations for the Linz bishopric.

Of the three Mass settings that Bruckner produced in Linz, the Mass No. 2 in E minor occupies a special position. If the orchestral Masses in D minor and F minor are dominated by the ethos of the classical symphony, the uniqueness of the E minor Mass resides in its blend of the ancient Palestrina style and a modern nineteenth century treatment of the wind instruments.

All in all, Bruckner's three great settings of the Mass from 1864 to 1868 form an impressive route to the monumental symphonies which were to follow and which form the actual basis of his fame.

Urtext Vocal Score.