After 30 years as assistant Kapellmeister and Kapellmeister at the Esterhazy Palace, Haydn became a musical free agent at age 58 when his patron, Prince Nikolaus, died and Nikolaus’ son disbanded the palace orchestra.
Haydn, who had no duties but continued to receive the Kapellmeister’s salary, moved to Vienna, made two extended trips to England, tutored a young pupil named Ludwig van Beethoven, and became wealthy with his compositions and personal appearances.
In 1796 he returned to the Esterhazy’s service and over the next six years composed the Heiligmesse and five other Masses for Princess Marie Hermengild’s name day. Haydn named this Mass in honor of Bernard Offida, a little known saint of the Capuchin order who was canonized in 1795, but the Austrians quickly found a nickname for it, the Heiligmesse, derived from the melody of an old German hymn, Heilig, heilig (Holy, holy), sung by the tenors and altos in the Sanctus.
The Mass is a favorite among Chorale members and is an exciting way to begin our new season.