The work is a setting of the Latin mass for SATB soloists and choir, trumpets, timpani, violins, organ and continuo.

František Xaver Brixi, or Franz Xaver Brixi, became Regens chori (choir director) of Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral in 1759 at age 27 and held the position unto his death in 1771.

[1] He was a prolific composer of music for the liturgy, who wrote more than 100 masses,[1] vespers and motets, among others.

[2] He composed the Missa brevis in C, a setting of the Latin order of Mass, for SATB soloists and choir, 2 trumpets, timpani, 2 violins, organ and continuo.

Karlheinz Ostermann, the editor of the first edition notes its "cantilena" solo melodies, simple themes for the choir, short fugal passages, and its optimistic mood.