The mass is classed as a missa longa due to its length. However, due to its lack of extended writing for the
solo parts, it has also been categorised as a missa brevis.[1] The occasion the mass was composed for remains debatable. It may have been composed at the
Archbishop Colloredo's request for a special occasion at the
Salzburg Cathedral, or at the directive of a different priest – Colloredo's preference for brief settings makes it unlikely that he would have approved of the missa longa.[2]: 387 [3] Alternatively, it may have been composed for performance at
St Peter's Church.[1][2]
The mass is divided into six movements.
KyrieAllegro, C major,
GloriaAllegro con spiritu, C major,
"Qui tollis peccata mundi" Andante, G minor, 3 4
"Quoniam tu solus Sanctus" Allegro con spiritu, C major,
CredoAllegro, C major, 3 4
"Et incarnatus est" Adagio ma non troppo, C major,
"Et resurrexit" Molto allegro, C major,
"Et in Spiritum Sanctum Dominum" Allegro, G major, 3 4