A highlight of choral music: Bruckner's fair in Mauthausen

A highlight of choral music: Bruckner's fair in Mauthausen

On Sunday, November 17, 2024, visitors to the parish church in Mauthausen experienced an impressive musical event. Under the direction of the founder and long-time choir director Alfred Hochedlinger, the choir of the parish of Mauthausen (CPM-Musica Viva) performed and presented the monumental "Mass in F minor" by Anton Bruckner.

This concert was a highlight in Bruckenjahr 2024 and offered a special appreciation for both the parish and the choir. The "Mass in F minor" is often referred to as the masterpiece of choral music of the 19th century and is considered one of the most important works of the Austrian composer. It was a turning point in Bruckner's work and shows its musical development before devoting himself more intensively to the Sympheniegenre.

a masterpiece of choral music

Anton Bruckner completed the "Mass in F minor" in 1868, after he received the order for the Vienna Court Music Chapel in 1867. Although the work initially met with criticism and had a slow success, it was performed in 1872 under Bruckner's own leadership in the Vienna Augustinian Church and finally received its deserved recognition. Bruckner's words are particularly touching, from a letter shortly before his death, in which he wanted his trade fair to be heard at lifetime: "The Bruckner gets old and would like to hear the F minor (trade fair). Please, please! That would be the highlight of my life!"

The performance in Mauthausen was a complete success. The choir, consisting of 50 singers, was supported by an orchestra with 31 members and four soloists from the Vienna State Opera Choir. Together they mastered the demanding performance with remarkable brilliance. The spectators were visibly enthusiastic and experienced a unique musical moment that underlined the importance of Bruckner for the history of music.

For everyone who missed this grandiose event, there is a second chance: On Friday, November 22, 2024, the "Messe in F minor" will be performed again in the parish church of Mauthausen. The event begins at 7 p.m. and promises to become a special class experience again. You can also find details of this musical event here .