To most of us, the name Franz Schubert brings to mind the famous
“Unfinished Symphony.” There are good reasons for this. His short life
spanned less than 32 years, leaving much unfinished. But what he did
finish includes an impressive list: some 600 songs, dozens of pieces for
piano, many string quartets and other chamber works, nine symphonies,
and several pieces of church music.
Schubert’s church music
has special significance. His father was a widely respected
schoolmaster in the church parish of Lichtenthal, just north the center
of old Vienna. Schubert had early music training as a choirboy at the
Vienna cathedral, where he studied with Antonio Salieri, a legendary
rival of Mozart. Like Mozart – though born 6 years after his death –
Schubert showed great talent at an early age, and composed several works
for the church during his early years.
His earliest such works
are a series of four Masses written for his own parish church in
Lichtenthal, where they were performed to great acclaim. These four
Masses date from the years 1814 to 1816, Schubert being between the ages
of 17 and 19. All four have especially fine roles for a soprano
soloist, and it appears that Schubert had a particular soloist in mind.
She was a blossoming singer named Theresa Grob, two years younger than
Franz, whose family were neighbors of the Schuberts. The two were
clearly in love, but Franz’s musical courtship came to nothing, for he
was unable to prove financial stability, a legal requirement for
marriage in Vienna at that time. In the end he never married, though he
always claimed, with sadness, that he had wanted to do so.
The Mass
in G Major, which we sing this week, is the second of these four
Masses. It has gained widespread admiration as an early masterpiece of
Schubert. It sets the text quickly, with little repetition and great
economy of style. At the same time it incorporates many lovely and
memorable melodies, the hallmark of all Schubert’s music. It is truly a
gem of the choral repertoire.
Bill Cowdery
Music Director and Organist
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