Vesperae solennes de confessore

Vesperae solennes de confessore (Solemn Vespers for a Confessor), K 339, is a sacred choral composition written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1780. It is scored for SATB choir and soloists, violin I, violin II, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones colla parte, 2 timpani, and basso continuo (violoncello, double bass, and organ, with optional bassoon obbligato).

Vesperae solennes de confessore
Solemn Vespers by W. A. Mozart
Salzburg Cathedral, for which the music was composed
Catalogue	K. 339
Text	Psalms 110–113, 117 Magnificat
Language	Latin
Composed	1780 (1780): Salzburg
Movements	6
Vocal	SATB choir and soloists
Instrumental	brass and timpani violins continuo

The composition was written for liturgical use in the Salzburg Cathedral.^[1] The title "de confessore" was not Mozart's own, having been added to his manuscript later. It suggests the work was intended for vespers held on a specific day on the liturgical calendar of saints ("confessors"); however, the saint in question has not been conclusively established, and may not have existed.^[2] This was Mozart's final choral work composed for the cathedral.^[3]

Structurally, it is very similar to K. 321 Vesperae solennes de Dominica, composed in 1779. The composition is divided into 6 movements; as in Dominica, a setting of the Minor Doxology (Gloria Patri) concludes all movements, each recapitulating the opening themes. The first three psalms are scored in a bold, exuberant manner, contrasting with the strict, stile antico counterpoint of the a cappella fourth psalm,^[3] and the tranquility of the fifth movement. The Magnificat sees a return to the style of the opening settings.

1. Dixit Dominus (Psalm 110) Allegro vivace, C major, 3/4
2. Confitebor tibi Domine (Psalm 111) Allegro, E-flat major, common time
3. Beatus vir qui timet Dominum (Psalm 112) Allegro vivace, G major, 3/4
4. Laudate pueri Dominum (Psalm 113) Allegro, D minor, cut common time
5. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes (Psalm 117) Andante, F major, 6/8

   Mozart departs from the structure of K. 321 in this movement. The earlier setting of Laudate Dominum is a highly melismatic soprano solo, with no choral interlude. In K. 339, the soprano solo is much simpler; the choir quietly enters at the conclusion of the psalm with the Gloria Patri, and the soloist rejoins them at the Amen.

   This movement is well known outside the context of the larger work and is often performed in isolation.^[4]

6. Magnificat (Canticle for Vespers) Andante, C major, common time

   —"Et exultavit..." Allegro, C major, common time