was premiered in the old Linz Cathedral on 20 November 1864. A
laudatory review in the Linzer Zeitung described Bruckner’s potential
as a symphonic composer, ranking the D Minor Mass in the highest
echelon of church music.
As a testament to the influence of the Catholic faith in his life, the opening
words of the Gloria and Credo in Bruckner’s Mass in D Minor are not set
to music, thus requiring a chanted intonation in performance before
the choir continues, much as a priest would during the church mass.
Bruckner draws on the Classical technique of recapitulating material in
the Agnus Dei of this mass, but does so in a somewhat striking way. He
incorporates themes from all of the previous movements: an approach
he was to develop and use to excellent effect in the finales of most of
his symphonies. However, he also moves beyond the Classical tradition
by employing unusual and distant key relationships, and he introduces
the ostinatos, pedal points and brass fanfares that are trademarks of
his symphonies.
The Mass in D minor is divided into six parts:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Kyrie – Alla breve (mehr langsam)
Gloria – Allegro
Credo – Moderato
Sanctus – Maestoso
Benedictus – Moderato
Agnus Dei- Andante quasi Allegretto
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