Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, American Classical Soloists, Pacific Mozart Ensemble :: American Bach Soloists: Joseph Haydn: Lord Nelson Mass, Little

The Lord Nelson Mass is the most exciting of the six late Haydn Masses, and it's the most popular. Haydn's Latin title--Missa in Angustiis--describes the emotion of the piece better than the well-known English nickname. "Angustiis" means "narrow" and the whole title might best be translated as "Mass is hard times." Indeed, all of the "ang" or "anx" words apply to this music: anguish, anxiety, anxious--even angst. The Kyrie, with its thrilling soprano solo in the reprise is one of the most thrilling moments in all of vocal music, while the Benedictus, with its terrifying trumpet and drum fanfares, has an almost crushing impact. This performance is literally ferocious, as befits the music, and it's recorded with startling impact. --David Hurwitz