| Mass No. 4 | |
| Composer: | Franz Schubert |
| Key: | C major |
| Catalogue: | 452 |
| Form: | Latin: [[Missa solemnis]] |
| Movements: | 6 |
| Vocal: | choir and soloists |
| Instrumental: |
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Mass No. 4 in C major, 452, is a mass composed by Franz Schubert in 1816. It was originally scored for soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists, SATB choir, violin I and II, and basso continuo (cello, double bass and organ). It is classified as a missa solemnis.
The setting was composed in June–July 1816, and possibly received its first performance in late summer or early fall of the same year at the Lichtental Church. As in his previous masses, the soprano solos were written with Therese Grob's voice in mind.
The mass shows the influence of Mozart in Schubert's work, particularly in the original reduced orchestration (the German: Salzburger Kirchentrio, Salzburg church trio) and the perceived "lightness of touch". Schubert's contemporary diary entries confirm his interest in Mozart's missae breves, along with the music of Michael Haydn, another Salzburg composer.
Schubert made considerable revisions to the mass for subsequent performances. He added parts for 2 oboes or clarinets, 2 trumpets and timpani, all Latin: [[ad libitum]], for an 1825 performance in St. Ulrich, Vienna. He revisited the mass in 1828, seven weeks before his death, with a purely choral setting of the Latin: Benedictus|italic=no (formerly D. 961) to replace the earlier soprano solo. It is likely that this was in anticipation of a performance where a soloist of Grob's calibre was unavailable.
Schubert sold the score of Mass No. 4 and some shorter church works to Anton Diabelli for publishing in 1825. It was the only mass published during the composer's lifetime. Schubert dedicated the publication to Michael Holzer, the organist and choirmaster at the Lichtental church, and his teacher in organ, singing, figured bass and counterpoint.
The mass consists of six movements. Performances require approximately 23 minutes. Commentary is for 452, unless otherwise indicated.
Latin: Et incarnatus est|italic=no, Italian: Adagio molto, D minor, cut common time
While Schubert habitually omitted certain passages of the Creed, in this mass he makes the unusual exclusion of the words "Latin: ex Maria Virgine|italic=no" (of the Virgin Mary).
Latin: Et resurrexit|italic=no, Italian: Allegro, C major, 3/4
Latin: Osanna in excelsis|italic=no, Italian: Allegro vivace, C major, common time
Latin: Osanna in excelsis|italic=no, Italian: Allegro vivace, C major, common time
Latin: Benedictus|italic=no, (961) Italian: Moderato, A minor, cut common time; choir
Latin: Osanna in excelsis|italic=no, Italian: Allegro vivace, C major, common time
Latin: Dona nobis pacem|italic=no, Italian: Allegro vivace, C major, 3/4