Haydn composed the "Lord Nelson Mass" in just over a month, despite suffering from extreme exhaustion after completing his oratorio "The Creation."
Recording & Production
This recording was made direct to stereo and surround at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts, in April 2013.
Compositional Technique
The "Lord Nelson Mass" features an unusual and striking orchestration, with only trumpets, timpani, and strings, because Prince Esterházy had dismissed his woodwind and horn players to save money.
Historical Context
Haydn titled his mass "Missa in Angustiis" (Mass in a Time of Anxiety) due to the political turmoil of 1798, when Napoleon's forces threatened Vienna and Egypt.
Composition History
The "Missa in Angustiis" became known as the "Lord Nelson Mass" after news of Admiral Horatio Nelson's victory over Napoleon's fleet reached Vienna shortly before its premiere.
Composition History
Haydn's Symphony No. 102, considered by many to be his most powerful late symphony, was defrauded of the nickname 'Miracle' due to a mix-up with the premiere of his Symphony No. 96.
Critical Reception
Early editions of the "Lord Nelson Mass" often 'normalized' its orchestration by adding woodwinds and horns, and simplifying trumpet parts, making it very popular despite not being supervised by Haydn.
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