Agnus Dei (Mass in G, D 167)

Franz Peter Schubert (1797 – 1828) was an Austrian composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras. Despite his short lifetime, Schubert left behind a vast oeuvre, including more than 600 secular vocal works (mainly lieder), seven complete symphonies, sacred music, operas, incidental music and a large body of piano and chamber music.

"Mass No. 2 in G major", D 167, by Franz Schubert was composed in less than a week in early March 1815 and remains the best known of his three short settings of the Mass.
Apart from some passages for soprano, its soloistic interventions are modest; Schubert, characteristically, inclines toward a devotional mood. The First Mass had been successfully performed in the composer's parish the year before.

The fine transcription for organ was done by George C. Martin (1844-1916). Martin was a student of John Stainer at Oxford, and then Sub-Organist (1876-1888) of St. Paul's Cathedral, London, and then Organist (1888-1916).

He wrote a very popular book, "The Art of Training Choir Boys," which became a standard on the subject, and was appointed a Member (4th class) of the Victorian Order in 1902.

The work itself is quite famous, and works extremely nicely as an organ solo, that could be used as a recital work or church prelude.

As in all his transcriptions, Martin is very faithful to the ACTUAL notes written by the composer, and attentiveness to details will payoff in a successful performance. :-)

The refined sound of the Hereford Willis was a natural choice for this music, particularly because of the smoothness of the Swell oboe, which is essential to the character of the transcription.

The score is attached below, as well as a painting of Schubert, and a photo of George C. Martin.