Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus : Missa

In January 1779 Mozart started his new position as court organist in Salzburg which entailed the composition of numerous sacred works. The autograph of his ìMissa in C majorî K. 317 ñ known as the ìCoronation Massî since the 19th century ñ was dated ìli 23 marzo 1779î. This was noted in the composerís hand at the beginning of the ìKyrieî. Possible dates of the premiere can be deduced from the dates of the Easter holidays in 1779 so it would have been either on 4 or 5 April.

Mozart probably wanted to showcase his musical skills with the composition of the mass, the scale and instrumentation of which is very grandiose and not at all modest.

The nickname ìCoronation Massî refers to various coronation ceremonies after Mozartís death during which the work was performed. However, the legend that the mass was composed for the occasion of a remembrance celebration for the crowning of the image of the Virgin at Maria Plain outside of Salzburg is still being told today.