Mass in D minor WAB 26

Scoring: Soli SATB, Coro SATB, 2 Pfte, [Timp]

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, transcriptions of large (choral) symphonic works for two pianos were extremely popular, as they enabled a large audience to get to know classical compositions in an age before recorded music. In many cases, world-famous pieces were first performed in such a version – including Bruckner’s Te Deum.

The Stuttgart composer, pianist and experienced piano-duo performer Sebastian Bartmann was commissioned by the Landesakademie für die musizierende Jugend in Baden-Württemberg Ochsenhausen to newly arrange Bruckner’s Te Deum and the Mass in D minor for soloists, choir, and two pianos. A timpani part (ad libitum) provides additional color. The arrangements are based on the original Carus editions. The vocal scores and choral scores of the original version can also be used.

While Bruckner’s symphonic approach becomes evident for the first time in the Mass in D minor from 1864, the work does not place the same high demands on the performers as the two later masses. This arrangement for soloists, choir and 2 pianos has an air of transparency, rather like a work of chamber music.