Mass in Time of War

The “Missa in Tempore Belli”, also known as the “Mass in Time of War”, composed in 1796, makes prominent use of timpani as well as a wind fanfare at the beginning of the “Dona nobis pacem” – both clear and unusual references to a warlike context. One year after the first documented performance which took place in the year of its composition as part of the First Mass of a newly ordained priest, the work was performed again on the Feast of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of soldiers. In this mass, Haydn paid particular attention to the instrumentation, with clarinets and horns being added in some movements.

This edition which is based on the new revised Complete Edition volume published by G. Henle Verlag replaces BA04652. A new edition was deemed necessary due to the discovery of further relevant sources and the correction of numerous errors.