Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339, is a sacred work composed in 1780 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is scored for SATB soloists, SATB choir, violin I, violin II, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones colla parte, 2 timpani, and basso continuo (bassoon and organ).

It was composed for liturgical use in the Salzburg Cathedral. The title "de confessore" was not Mozart's own, and was added by a later hand to his manuscript. It suggests that 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. This was Mozart's final choral work composed for the cathedral.

Structurally, it is very similar to Vesperae solennes de Dominica (K. 321), composed in 1779. The setting 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 capella fourth psalm, and the tranquility of the fifth movement. The Magnificat sees a return to the style of the opening settings.

References

1. ^ "About: Vesperae solemnes de confessore (Vespers), for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, K.339". Retrieved 20 February 2013. 
2. ^ J. Frank Henderson (2006). "Mozart's Vesperae Solennes de Confessore: Identification of the Saint and Date" (PDF). Retrieved 20 February 2013. 
3. ^ Mark Aaron Humphrey (2006). The Stylistic and Historical Significance of Mozart's Mass in C Major K. 337. Retrieved 23 February 2013. 
4. ^ Michael Steinberg (2005). Choral Masterworks: A Listener's Guide. p. 211. Retrieved 21 February 2013.