Josef Gabriel Rheinberger

Mass In C, Op. 169

While Joseph Gabriel Rheinberger composed a significant number of works for worship, his MASS IN C MAJOR, Op. 169 for soloists, mixed chorus and orchestra is the only mass to include orchestral accompaniment.  The MASS IN C may be performed authentically in two ways:  a) with full orchestra (1.2.2.2: 2.2.3.0: Timp: Str [9-8-7-6-5 in set], but without organ) or b) with string orchestra and organ, the organ being a substitute for the winds. The string parts in the two versions are identical. The organ part is included in the full set item to give flexibility to the ensemble depending on instrumentation plans. In addition Rheinberger recommended that the trombones should be added to the orchestra only if the choir is large.