We will be performing Haydn’s ‘Lord Nelson Mass’ for our 2023 performance at the Cargill United Methodist Church, located at 2000 Wesley Ave., Janesville WI. Directed by the talented duo of Richard and Marie Severing and accompanied by a captivating orchestra and outstanding soloists, this performance promises to be a musical experience like no other.

Haydn’s ‘Lord Nelson Mass,’ also known as the Missa in angustiis (Mass for troubled times), is a masterpiece composed by the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn in 1798. It holds a special place in Haydn’s body of work and showcases his creative genius.

During a period marked by political and financial instability in Europe, Haydn crafted this remarkable composition, featuring an original orchestration of strings, trumpets, timpani, and organ that creates a distinctive and ‘dark’ orchestral sound.

Adding to the intrigue is the historical context of the Mass. As Austria faced significant threats from Napoleon’s campaigns, Admiral Horatio Nelson achieved a stunning victory over Napoleon’s forces in the Battle of the Nile on August 1, 1798, just before the Mass’s first performance. This coincidence led to the nickname ‘Lord Nelson Mass,’ which remains associated with the piece.

The Mass features virtuosic solo parts, including demanding bass and soprano lines, showcasing Haydn’s musical brilliance. It premiered on September 23, 1798, at the town parish.

Join us for a truly memorable performance of the ‘Lord Nelson Mass’ on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, at 2:00 PM, as we bring this extraordinary composition to life and transport you through time to the essence of Haydn’s musical genius.”