At the moment in 1777 when Mozart wrote this disarmingly simple offertory motet, both he and his father had been dismissed from their employment in Salzburg by the Archbishop and Mozart was on the point of leaving his home to seekemployment elsewhere. It has been suggested that it was written in supplication to the Virgin for safe travel at the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but what is certain is that this delightful piece remains a vibrant work inthe repertoire.Sancta Maria was originally ...