Nelson Mass

SATB Soli, SATB Choir, Orchestra (1804 version; Full Score; Latin only; orchestral parts are also available for purchase). Joseph Haydn was born on March 31st, 1732, in Rohrau, Austria; he died in Vienna, on May 31st, 1809. At the time he began composing this Mass, Napoleon had won four major battles in Austria in less than a year, and invaded Egypt to destroy Britain's trade routes to the East. In the previous year his armies had crossed the Alps and theatened Vienna itself. Hence Haydn's own title for this Mass, "Missa in Angustiis" ("Mass in Distress"). It was only after Haydn had finished the work that the news was received (perhaps even on the day of the premiere itself) that Napoleon had been dealt a stunning defeat in the Battle of the Nile by British forces led by Admiral Horatio Nelson. Because of this striking coincidence, the work gradually acquired the nickname of "Lord Nelson Mass". the nickname of "Lord Nelson Mass". the nickname of "Lord Nelson Mass". Edited by Weismann/Erber.