Edited by Claudio Bacciagaluppi (2015)
One-volume set: score + critical commentary included pp. I-LXV, 1-145
NR 141194
Piano vocal score available
CP 141196
Pergolesi wrote his Messa in re maggiore for an unknown occasion. The composition however is similar in quality and commitment to his other Messa, in fa maggiore. Numerous manuscript copies all over Europe testify to the fortunate reception of the work in the eighteenth century.
As was traditional in Naples, Pergolesi limited his composition to the “Kyrie” and “Gloria”. The festive character of the work is emphasized by the rich scoring for vocal soloists, five-part choir and a full orchestra of strings and winds.
This edition uses as its main source a set of parts preserved partly in Naples, partly in Montecassino. These parts were made for a performance conducted by the composer, who added various autograph annotations. Among the secondary sources are two Neapolitan scores from Pergolesi’s time, today in Bologna and Dresden.
The edition includes a historical introduction (which traces the history of the genre in Naples and the relationship between the two Masses) and the critical notes. There are also some facsimile images of the sources used.