TGIF, September 29

On September 29, TGIF features our own Chancel Choir singing the Lord Nelson Mass by Franz Joseph Haydn. Doors to the sanctuary open at 5:15pm and the concert begins at 5:30pm. The concert is free with donations accepted.

Haydn’s chief biographer, H. C. Robbins Landon, has written that this mass “is arguably Haydn’s greatest single composition.” When Haydn wrote this mass in 1798, Austria was in turmoil because of the advances of Napoleon, and Haydn’s first title was “Mass for Troubled Times.” By the time of its first performance, Napoleon had been dealt a stunning defeat by British forces led by Admiral Horatio Nelson. Because of this coincidence, the mass gradually acquired the nickname Lord Nelson Mass. Napoleon’s defeat changed the way that the Mass was heard from then on. The menacing opening leading into the drama that followed became a depiction of danger and agitation supplanted by triumphant victory.

The Lord Nelson Mass is Haydn’s largest mass, as well as one of his most beloved choral works. It is also his only minor-key mass, set in d minor at the opening, but leading to a victorious D major finale.

The Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church is a group of volunteer singers that provides music for Sunday morning services throughout the year. In addition to singing hymns with the congregation during the services, the group performs an anthem for each Sunday service and, when appropriate, provides choral responses during the service. The Choir also performs regularly on the TGIF Concert Series, presenting masterworks by notable composers, often with soloists from the choir.