Mass in B Minor, BWV 232
Johann Sebastian Bach
Work background
Researched classical background
Bach's Mass in B Minor gathers music from different stages of his career into a setting of the Latin Mass. The Kyrie and Gloria existed earlier, and several later sections adapt music first heard in other contexts. Solo writing, dance-derived rhythms, and large choral counterpoint coexist within the final collection. Its title does not mean that every movement is in B minor.
A listening guide
Compare Bach's contrasting choral textures, from close imitation to chordal declarations.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Vocal soloists, mixed chorus, orchestra, and continuo
Composition: 1748-1749 (final assembly)
The completed compilation reuses earlier music, including the Kyrie and Gloria of 1733 and still earlier cantata material.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Date, title and version notes
The final assembly date is not the composition date of every movement.
Mass in B minor, BWV 232 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Mass in B minor, BWV 232 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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