When he conducted the first performance at the Allerheiligen-Hofkirche in Munich on Christmas Eve, he added a flute and a string quintet.

Most of these works were written during his tenure as Bavarian court composer in Munich, beginning in 1877, when liturgical music became his focus.

[1][2][3] While he composed the work originally for a three-part choir (SSA) with organ, he added a flute and a string quintet in the premiere, played by members of the Hofkapelle.

[3] The mass was published by Carus-Verlag in 1994 as part of the complete edition of the composer's works.

[1][4] Rheinberger set the parts of the mass ordinary in five movements:[1][3] The lines of the voices are singable (cantabile) throughout the composition and avoid extreme registers.