Missa brevis in F major (Haydn)

The Missa brevis in F ( Hob. XXII: 1), also known as the youth mass , is one of the earliest mass compositions by Joseph Haydn alongside the Missa Rorate coeli desuper (whose attribution as Haydn's work is controversial) . It was probably composed around 1749, when Haydn was still a choirboy in Vienna. The mass was originally composed for 2 violins, basso continuo, choir and 2 soprano soloists. Haydn had revised the work in 1805 and made a version with an extended orchestra with wood and brass instruments and timpani . Haydn probably composed the mass for himself and his brother Michael Haydn , both of whom were soloists in the Boys' Choir. As usual for a Missa brevis , the mass is very short and the text is often divided among the voices. The choir and soloists take turns constantly.

occupation

• Choir ( SATB )
• 2 soprano soloists
• Viennese church trio (2 violins , double bass and organ ), in a later arrangement expanded to include wind instruments and timpani

construction

• Kyrie : Allegro
• Gloria : Andante
• Credo : Allegro - Adagio - Allegro
• Sanctus : Adagio - Allegro
• Benedictus: Andante - Allegro
• Agnus Dei : Adagio - Allegro

The performance lasts approx. 14 minutes.

Web links

• Youth fair. At: Kirchenmusikverein.at .
• Booklet for CD Chandos 0640 (PDF; 338 kB)