With its tonal language, the first of Beethoven's two Masses opens up new worlds of expression for the liturgical texts of the Mass which are expressively modern and forward thinking. Not to be considered a preliminary work to the Missa solemnis, it is an entirely independent work which set standards for the further development of settings of the Mass in the 19th century. Fully aware of the departure from established sacred choral works, Beethoven paves a way to a contemporary avenue to faith which is still popular. Carus presents this important work of church music history in a new critical Urtext edition by Beethoven expert Ernst Herttrich.