Paukenmesse by Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

Our Mass today by Haydn is subtitled, Missa in Tempore Belli (Mass in Time of War). The Mass is also called the Paukenmesse because of the prominent tympani part. This monumental work was composed by Haydn in 1796 when Austria was waging a losing war against France as Napoleon, then a young general, continued to win every battle. In August of 1796 the government in Vienna, under the Emperor Franz, proclaimed general mobilization and forbade any discussion of peace until the French were driven from Austria.  The tympani rolls (pauken) and trumpet fanfares of the Agnus Dei have a militaristic feel, and contrast with the pleas for peace sung by the choir in the dona nobis pacem. (M.R.M.) The Mass was recorded by the Chorale and is available for purchase at Leaflet Missal Co. or in Schuler Hall after Sunday Masses.

The weekly schedule of Chorale Masses is posted here, and printed copies are at the church entrance, along with donation envelopes. The Chorale is a non-profit organization and depends on the generosity of donors. Please send contributions to: Twin Cities Catholic Chorale, P.O. Box 4234, St. Paul, MN 55104. A few of our contributors have asked about sponsoring a specific Mass on a given Sunday. If you might be interested, please contact Virginia Schubert, the Chorale’s President, at chorale@stagnes.net.