Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Mass

Compose Date

:

before 1778

Average_duration

:

16:46

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Franz Joseph Haydn's 'Missa brevis St. Joannis de Deo, H. 22/7 Little Organ Mass' is a choral work composed in 1775. It was premiered in the Bergkirche in Eisenstadt, Austria, where Haydn was employed as the court musician for the Esterházy family. The mass is also known as the 'Little Organ Mass' due to the prominent use of the organ in the accompaniment. The 'Missa brevis St. Joannis de Deo' is a short mass, consisting of four movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, and Sanctus-Benedictus. The mass is scored for four-part choir, soloists, and a small orchestra consisting of two violins, bass, organ, and optional trumpet. The use of a small orchestra and choir reflects the practical limitations of the church in which it was first performed. The Kyrie is a simple and solemn movement, with the choir singing in unison and the organ providing a gentle accompaniment. The Gloria is a joyful and exuberant movement, with the choir and orchestra alternating between lively and majestic passages. The Credo is the longest movement of the mass, and it features a solo quartet in addition to the choir. The Sanctus-Benedictus is a celebratory movement, with the choir and orchestra building to a grand finale. The 'Missa brevis St. Joannis de Deo' is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. Haydn's use of a small orchestra and choir allows for a more intimate and personal performance, and the use of the organ adds a sense of grandeur to the work. The mass is also notable for its use of soloists, which was a departure from the traditional choral works of the time. Overall, the 'Missa brevis St. Joannis de Deo' is a beautiful and uplifting work that showcases Haydn's skill as a composer. Its popularity has endured over the centuries, and it remains a beloved piece of choral music to this day.

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