Missa in C Major K. 337 "Missa Solemnis"

Mozart’s “Missa in C major” K. 337 is similar to the “Coronation Mass” K. 317 in its instrumentation, the occasion for its composition, and its duration. In March 1780, approximately one year after the “Coronation Mass”, the “Missa in C Major” along with a church sonata (K. 336/336d) was also intended for the Easter Solemn Mass at the Salzburg Cathedral. The occasion demanded a festive orchestration with oboes, solo bassoon, trumpets, and timpani. In its scope, the work is similar to the mass cycle of the previous year and is tailored to the Salzburg sacred music customs under Archbishop Hieronymus of Colloredo: The mass demanded the orchestration of a “Missa solemnis”, although its duration is closer to that of a “Missa brevis”. The work is characterized by the strictly contrapuntal “Benedictus”, which stands in stark contrast to the “Agnus Dei”. The organ is used in a soloistic manner and, in alternation with the concertante wind instruments, forms a framework for the coloratura solo soprano.