Pentecost Sunday – Schubert Mass

Setting: Mass No 2 in G major, D 167 – Franz Schubert
Sermon: The Revd Canon Dr Alison Joyce, Rector of St Bride’s
Anthem: Agnus Dei from Mass No 2 in G major, D 167 – Franz Schubert
Organ Voluntary: tbc –

Pentecost Sunday marks the coming of the Holy Spirit. It has its roots in the Jewish Feast of Weeks and marks the fiftieth day after Easter.

It is a major feast of the Church’s year and brings to the end the season of Easter. We hope you can join us at this joyous celebration.

The musical setting is Schubert’s Mass in G which will be performed by our professional St Bride’s Choir and we are delighted to welcome the St Bride’s Orchestra for this special service.

Franz Schubert composed his second Mass in less than a week in early March 1815 at the age of eighteen. It remains one of his most celebrated settings.

The Mass was originally scored for strings and organ only. Later revisions by Schubert and his brother Ferdinand added instruments and give a grander orchestration, yet the intimate and devotional quality remain. This is also reflected in the simple yet expressive writing for the vocal soloists.

Except, that is, for the soprano solo which was written for Therese Grob, who Schubert adored, and is clearly a showcase for her vocal talents.

The work ends with a warm and tender setting of the Agnus Dei. Its mournful melodies demonstrate the young Schubert’s considerable musical maturity.

Find out more about the service of Choral Eucharist.