Vesperae solennes de Dominica

Vesperae solennes de Dominica, K. 321, is a sacred choral composition, written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1779. It is scored for SATB choir and soloists, violin I and II, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones colla parte, 2 timpani, and basso continuo (bassoon and organ).

Vesperae solennes de Dominica
Solemn Vespers by W. A. Mozart
Page 1 of the autograph:, Dixit dominus
Catalogue	K. 321
Text	Psalms 110–113, 117 Magnificat
Language	Latin
Composed	1779 (1779): Salzburg
Movements	6
Vocal	SATB choir and soloists
Instrumental	brass and timpani violins continuo

It was composed in Salzburg at the request of the Archbishop Colloredo for liturgical use in the city's cathedral. The title "de Dominica" signifies its use in Sunday services.^[1] In 1780, Mozart composed another setting of Solemn Vespers, the Vesperae solennes de confessore, which shares many musical similarities with this work.

Structure

The setting is divided into six movements, including five psalms and a setting of the Magnificat. A setting of the Minor Doxology (Gloria Patri) concludes all movements, each recapitulating the opening theme. The first three psalms are scored in a vigorous, exuberant manner, contrasting with the strict counterpoint of the a cappella Laudate pueri. The Laudate Dominum is set as an extended aria for the soprano soloist with obbligato organ, while the Magnificat opens with a majestic, moderate tempo, only to return to the bolder tempo of the first three psalms.^[2]

1. Dixit Allegro vivace, C major,
2. Confitebor Allegro, E minor, ³
   ₄
3. Beatus vir Allegro, B♭ major,
4. Laudate pueri F major,
5. Laudate Dominum Allegro, A major, ³
   ₄
6. Magnificat Adagio maestoso, C major,

   "Et exultavit" Allegro, C major,