The 'Jupiter” Symphony No. 41 in C major, which records show Mozart finished in Vienna on 10 August 1788, was the composer's final symphony. Although the name did not originate with Mozart, it is extremely apt as the piece's majesty, choice of key, structure and length make it akin to a regal coronation of all his previous symphonies. The Mass in C minor was not commissioned; instead Mozart wrote it of his own volition in celebration of his marriage to Constanze in 1782. Unlike his earlier masses, the composer planned out a 'cantata mass', which he intended to present in Salzburg with his wife as a soloist. While the couple stayed in Salzburg for the purpose of visiting Mozart's father in 1783, only the Kyrie and the Gloria had been completed and were performed on 26 October.
The Mass in C minor is the first major composition of Mozart's on which the works of Bach and Handel left a mark, just as they did on the symphony's 'closing fugue'. The work remained unfinished, with only two movements of the Credo completed, and nothing at all of the Agnus Dei. The incomplete mass is being performed on this occasion in the version reconstructed by Richard Maunder, with which the performers intend to convey Mozart's ideas as faithfully as possible, including in terms of the scoring. (Noémi Megyery)

Presented by: Sysart Kft. Orfeo Music Foundation