Mass in G

Dear Mr. Ikard:

 

The E flat and A flat masses are

excellent pieces--musically, the

A flat is more complex--which is

surprising, as it was composed

before the E flat mass--but the

E flat is more of a crowd pleaser--

and entirely worth doing, just for

the "Et incarnatus est"--which is

scored for STT soli--gorgeous music.

 

And where smaller works are

concerned, his Psalm 23--originally

for SSAA, but later revised by

others for SATB, the best version

being by John Stainer--is at the

top of my list.

 

 

Cordially,

 

Thomas Sheets, D.M.A.

Sorry, can't choose between the Eb and Ab masses.  FOndness for the Ab!

 

David

Hi, David.  Would you care to define what you mean by "greatest"?  Most popular?  Most often performed?  Most satisfying to sing?  Highest quality?  (Oh yeah, there are no absolute measures of quality.  A pity, but still quite true.)

 

All the best,

John

For study and quiet enjoyment, the Ab Mass.  For performance, the Eb.

Hello:

Two of Schubert's greatest chorals come to mind.  I have performed them both...as a singer and as a conductor:

The Mass in G and the Stabat Mater.

But,by far my favorite is Die Allmacht.

Happy Thanksgiving!

                        t

Miriam's Siegesgesang for soprano solo, SATB chorus, and piano (the biblical story presented in a poem by Franz Grillparzer). This is a mulit-movement, cyclic piece that has some of Schubert's most inspired tone-painting, romantic harmonies, and his best fugue. It was written in the last months of Schubert's life and he probably intended to orchestrate it. It was later orchestrated by - I think - Franz Liszt, but it works great with piano. This is a very aproachable major work that a good high school, college, or community choir could perform well

 

Second place: Die Nacht for tenor solo, TTBB chorus, and piano.

 

Happy Turkey! -sce

Friends,

 

I find this fascinating!  There ar epieces  mentioend here I woudl never ever put on a great Schubert works like and pieces I would.  Isn't that just exactly what makes our choral world go 'round and makes our programs so varied and interesting!

 

Cheers!

DJ

I can second Steven Edwards' nomination of Miriam's Siegesgesang.  It is absolutely gorgeous--and when sung with incredible musical sensitivity, attention to every rich detail Schubert left on the page, with incredible soloist, it is a real gem.  I also encourage you to look at Schubert's Des Tages Weihe "Schicksalslenker."  The opening Baritone Solo is some of the greatest music ever composed by man.  

 

Not in the same class but an effective synagogue/service work: Psalm 92 .[ Bar,SATB] The old edition has an inaccurate Hebrew transliteration.

Thanks for the question & answers.

SIR

Since no one has mentioned any of the exquisite male chorus settings here (e.g., Nachthelle, Ständchen, Gondelfahrer, etc.), let me throw one not very well known work in the ring.

 

There are two settings of "Gesang der Geister über den Wassern" for male chorus; the more extended setting for TTTTBBBB and 2 violas, 2 cellos and double bass (D. 714) is an amazing work, about 10' duration.  There is a wonderful recording of it on YouTube by the Norwegian Soloists and Camerata male voices under Grete Pedersen.