This concert with the Kammerorchester Basel (Chamber Orchestra) features two works by Joseph Haydn. When Nicholaus II became the new Esterházy prince, he wanted to revive musical life and asked the famous former court composer, the Europe-wide renowned Haydn, if he might return from London. He did, and was allowed to write a total of six solemn masses for the young princess's name days—for example, the Missa Sancti Bernardi of Offida in honor of a recently canonized monk. Since Haydn wove the old hymn "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord" into the Sanctus, the mass's nickname quickly became "Holy Mass."
Another gift for the princess was the “Paukenmesse.” It got its nickname from the muted, rhythmically relentless timpani solo in the “Agnus Dei.” Its official title is "Mass in Times of War." After the French Revolution, Europe was in a state of great turmoil, which, over the next few years, would escalate into the Napoleonic Wars. These were difficult times, but the audience was delighted that Haydn was back.
Tickets are CHF 30-90 for adults and half-price for students.

Website
kammerorchesterbasel.ch/de/konzerte/philosophen-und-poeten.html

Where
Martinskirche
Martinskirchplatz 4
4051 Basel

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