Haydn beseelt

Sun, 30. November 2025

The Esterházys have a new prince. Nicholas II wants to revitalise musical life and asks the famous former court composer, Joseph Haydn, who is known throughout Europe, whether he might like to return from London? He did. And Haydn was allowed to write a total of six solemn masses for the young princess's name days: for example the Missa Sancti Bernardi of Offida in honour of a monk who had just been canonised. As Haydn weaves the old hymn Heilig heilig heilig ist der Herr into the Sanctus, the mass's epithet is quickly established: Heiligmesse.

Another gift from the princesses is the Timpani Mass. It gets its nickname because of the muted, rhythmically relentless timpani solo in the Agnus Dei. Its official title is: Mass in times of war. After the French Revolution, there was great turmoil in Europe, which would develop into the Napoleonic Wars over the next few years. Difficult times. But the audience is happy that Haydn is back.

Birgitte Christensen Soprano

Kristina Hammarström alto

Jeremy Ovenden Tenor

Christian Senn Bass

Zurich Singing Academy

Sebastian Breuing Conducting

Basel Chamber Orchestra

René Jacobs Conductor