Haydn: Heiligmesse & Mass in Time of War
This pairing of the Heiligmesse and the Paukenmesse, both composed in 1796, is a fine idea. The Paukenmesse, also known as the "Mass in Time of War" was composed when the Napoleonic War was at its peak; Haydn's wild use of tympani in the Agnus Dei movement and the trumpets and drums elsewhere are a sort-of Viennese answer to the menace. The Heiligmesse also has some martial qualities (its Agnus Dei has great majesty), but it is more soulful and somehow simpler, particularly in its solo vocal writing. Both are wonderfully symphonic. Gardiner and his period-instrument band, soloists, and chorus approach both works head on, with great energy and ideal voice-instrument balance. The drama is present, but so is the piety; the introspective moments of the Heiligmesse's Gloria are given their due, even with the movement's inevitable forward propulsion. Tempi seem just right throughout. These are the versions of these masses which should be in your collection.--Robert Levine