Join us as the Chancel Choir presents the Missa Brevis in D Major by Mozart, in its entirety, as part of worship at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 13.

The Missa Brevis in D Major was written by Mozart at the age of 18. The music itself is important because it represents a transition from a young child prodigy to a mature composer. Using the traditional text of the Catholic Mass, the teenage Mozart has a definite youthful enthusiasm as he presents this music. This was a time in his life when he was starting to travel, looking for an apprenticeship away from his father. His music in this piece is sometimes traditional to demonstrate his ties to his early teacher, but there are also insights into the brilliant composer he would become. The overriding feeling in this music is one of Joy. It was his “business card” to meet other influential musicians of his day. For Eastminster, choosing a major work to be presented over multiple weeks represents a way to tie services together with an overarching theme. This selection offers multiple technical challenges to the choir singers. It is also a way to feature many of the new soloists in the choir loft. On November 13, the work will be presented in its entirety with an orchestra. Mozart considered his talent a gift from God. This musical offering with choir, soloists, and orchestra is full of dynamic contrasts. Dramatic exhortations typical of an eighteen-year-old composer manage to find reverence in the overall mood of the music. While often considered a concert piece, this brief mass was composed for worship. We celebrate Mozart as he celebrates God.