Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Mass

Compose Date

:

1796

Average_duration

:

34:38

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Franz Joseph Haydn's 'Missa Sancti Bernardi von Offida in B flat major, H. 22/10 Heiligmesse' is a sacred choral work composed in 1796. It was premiered on September 10, 1796, at the Bergkirche in Eisenstadt, Austria. The work is also known as the 'Heiligmesse' or 'Holy Mass' and is one of Haydn's six late masses. The 'Heiligmesse' consists of six movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. The work is scored for four soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), mixed choir, and orchestra. The orchestra includes two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, and strings. The 'Heiligmesse' is characterized by its grandeur and solemnity. The opening Kyrie is a prayer for mercy, with the choir and soloists alternating in a call-and-response style. The Gloria is a joyful celebration of God's glory, with the choir and soloists singing in unison and harmony. The Credo is a statement of faith, with the choir and soloists proclaiming their belief in the Holy Trinity. The Sanctus is a hymn of praise, with the choir and soloists singing in a jubilant and exultant manner. The Benedictus is a prayer of thanksgiving, with the soloists singing a duet accompanied by the choir. The Agnus Dei is a plea for mercy, with the choir and soloists singing in a mournful and supplicatory manner. Overall, the 'Heiligmesse' is a masterpiece of sacred choral music, showcasing Haydn's mastery of the genre. Its grandeur, solemnity, and beauty make it a beloved work of the classical repertoire.

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