The Mass in C major (D 452), composed during June and July 1816, was written for the church in Lichtental and presumably also first performed there, as can be inferred from the dedication to the choirmaster of the church, Michael Holzer. Not only is the first edition dedicated to Holzer, but also the autograph score, which bears a dedication “to Mr. Holzer” on its title page.
This new edition was based on the first edition. Schubert not only added the oboe parts, but also revised the score for the performance of the Mass at St. Ulrich, an occasion that was closely connected with the publication of the first edition. Of course, the autograph was also examined in view of assuring a better interpretation of Schubert’s markings.
