The Sparrow Mass (German: Spatzenmesse) is a mass in C major K. 220/196b, Mass No. 9, Missa brevis No. 5, composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1775 or 1776 in Salzburg. The mass is sometimes termed a missa brevis et solemnis, because it is short in a simple structure as a missa brevis, but festively scored like a missa solemnis with brass and timpani in addition to four soloists, strings and organ. It was possibly first performed on 7 April 1776 in a mass for Easter at the Salzburg Cathedral. The nickname is derived from violin figures in the Hosanna which resemble bird chirping.
Date of composition | 1776 (1775-1776) in Salzburg, Austria |
First published | 1812 - London: Novello (vocal score) 1812 - Leipzig: Breitkopf und Härtel, Plate 1683 (parts) 1823 - Leipzig: Breitkopf und Härtel, Plate 3594 (full score) |
Type | Mass |
Tonality | C Major |
Catalogue | KV 220/196b |
Spoken language | Latin |
Instruments |
Chorus/Choir
- Mixed Chorus ;
Orchestra |
Autotranslations beta |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Missa Brevis en do majeur, KV 220/196b "Sparrow Mass; Spatzenmesse" Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Missa Brevis in do maggiore, KV 220/196b "Sparrow Mass; Spatzenmesse" Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Missa Brevis C-dur, KV 220/196b "Sparrow Mass; Spatzenmesse" |