Friday
March 6 at 8 PM
Buy a subscription to purchase early access tickets >>
Sunday
March 8 at 3 PM
Buy a subscription to purchase early access tickets >>
2025-26 Season > Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis (Lord Nelson Mass)
Boston Baroque presents one of Joseph Haydn’s greatest and most dramatic choral masterpieces—his Lord Nelson Mass, also known by its original title Missa in Angustiis (“Mass in Troubled Times”). Composed in 1798 during a period of political upheaval and uncertainty as Napoleon’s forces threatened Europe, this monumental mass reflects both the anxiety of the age and Haydn’s enduring belief in hope and triumph.
Written at a time when Haydn was at the height of his creative powers, the Lord Nelson Mass pairs soaring vocal lines with electrifying orchestral writing, including prominent parts for trumpets and timpani that give the work its bold, martial character. The nickname “Lord Nelson Mass” was added shortly after the Mass’s premiere when news of Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory over Napoleon reached Austria, forever linking this powerful music with the idea of victory and resilience.
With its radiant Gloria, fervent Credo, and dramatic Agnus Dei, Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis stands as one of the crowning achievements of the Classical sacred repertoire—an uplifting and thrilling musical journey that continues to resonate in both concert halls and hearts around the world.
Estimated Run Time
2 HRS | One 20-Minute Intermission
Location
NEC’s Jordan Hall | 30 Gainsborough St, Boston, MA 02115
CAST
COMPOSER
Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)
Widely regarded as the “Father of the Symphony” and the “Father of the String Quartet,” Joseph Haydn was one of the most influential composers of the Classical era. Born in Austria, Haydn spent much of his career as the court composer for the wealthy Esterházy family, where he produced an astonishing body of symphonies, chamber works, and sacred music that shaped the course of Western music.
The Lord Nelson Mass (Missa in Angustiis) stands out among his sacred works for its dramatic intensity and unique orchestration. Written during a turbulent time in Europe, the Mass reflects Haydn’s ability to convey profound emotion and hope through music, making it a lasting testament to resilience and faith.
