Mass in A-flat major, D.678 (Franz Schubert)

Franz Schubert’s Mass in A-flat major, D.678 is regarded as one of the composer’s greatest sacred works and a landmark of nineteenth-century choral music. In this concert performance, Martin Enger Holm appeared as the tenor soloist, joining choir and orchestra in one of Schubert’s most expansive and expressive settings of the Latin Mass.

Performed under the direction of Daniel Freistetter with Stiftschor in the historic Stiftskirche Klosterneuburg, the concert highlighted Schubert’s rich harmonic language and deeply lyrical writing. The work demands both vocal flexibility and expressive musicianship from its soloists, making it a rewarding challenge for lyric tenors.

This performance further expanded Martin’s concert repertoire, adding another major Romantic sacred masterpiece alongside his performances of works by Handel, Haydn and Bach.

About the Work

Composed between 1819 and 1822, Schubert’s Mass in A-flat major (D.678) is one of his six completed settings of the Mass Ordinary. Unlike many earlier Classical masses, the work combines symphonic scale with intimate lyricism, reflecting Schubert’s unique melodic gift and Romantic musical language.

Today it is widely regarded as one of the finest sacred compositions of the nineteenth century and remains a favourite with professional choirs, orchestras and festivals throughout Europe.

The Tenor Part

The tenor solo contributes some of the Mass’s most lyrical and expressive passages, blending with the other soloists while also carrying important melodic lines. Schubert’s writing demands a warm, flexible voice capable of sustained phrasing, elegant legato and clear textual delivery.

For lyric tenors, the work offers an opportunity to combine musical refinement with expressive interpretation in one of the central masterpieces of the sacred repertoire.

Performers

Soprano: N. A.
Mezzo-Soprano: N. A.
Tenor: Martin Enger Holm
Bass: N. A.

Choir: Stiftschor et al.
Conductor: Daniel Freistetter

Venue: Stiftskirche Klosterneuburg, Austria