CBSO: Haydn’s Nelson Mass

Thurs 19 Feb View Venues, Dates & Times

Joseph Haydn’s Nelson Mass was one of six masses written near the end of his life. The work is reflective of a period of terrible turmoil for Austria, during which the country was under serious threat from Napoleon Bonaparte’s army. 

However, around the time of the mass’ first-ever performance - in mid-September 1798 - news filtered through that Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson’s British fleet had defeated the French Emperor at the Battle of the Nile. The mass’ triumphant conclusion seemed like a perfect musical celebration of Bonaparte’s defeat, a fact which saw the composition become forever linked with Nelson and his game-changing victory...  
Alongside the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s performance of the work, this mid-month Symphony Hall concert also features Beethoven’s third piano concerto. 

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