The Paukenmesse is the second of the six gloriously melodic masses commissioned from Haydn for performance in the years after he returned to Eszterhazy following his success in London. The alternative title is 'Missa in tempora belli', or 'Mass in Time of War', Austria being under threat of invasion by the French.The 'Pauken' are the approropriately militaristic kettledrums which have a prominent role. The rest of the orchestration is glorious.
It will be interesting to hear this work in conjunction with the Mozart Requiem, which forms the second part of the concert.
Riccardo Minasi is a prominent figure on the continent, particularly noted for performances of baroque opera. It is good to see him here at last.
The soprano and alto are familiar names, the men less so. Why it has taken the internationally successful Canadian bass-baritone so long to reach these shores is a mystery.
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