Catholic and God-fearing, Franz Schubert’s parents raised their children, like most people of their background and generation, in an atmosphere of strict piety. From his earliest childhood, music and religion were closely intertwined. His first music teacher outside the family was the choirmaster and organist of the parish church in Lichtental. Strengthened by this heritage, Schubert wrote numerous sacred works throughout his life, and spirituality is ever-present in his lieder.

The catalogue of his works includes a Deutsche Messe (“German Mass”), written in 1827. The work was given this name because it is written in German rather than Latin, as was customary for most liturgical music. During the first half of the twentieth century, the Deutsche Messe became very popular, particularly with the growing use of German-language masses. The choral movements of the Deutsche Messe remain beloved today in Austria and southern Germany.

The renowned St. Hedwig’s Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Karl Forster, demonstrates exceptional mastery of nuance and remarkable precision in articulation. This recording is clearly the definitive reference for this work.