Haydn's Nelson Mass / Mendelssohn's Lauda Sion

The magnificent Nelson Mass is one of Haydn’s six late great masses and, according to H.C. Robbins Landon, ‘arguably Haydn’s greatest single composition’. From the dramatic opening Kyrie, with the soaring soprano solo line, to the exuberant Dona Nobis Pacem, the music pulsates with energy and unflagging vitality. There are many shifts of mood and tone but the final effect is celebratory. It is the work of a composer at the height of his powers. Mendelssohn’s uplifting and lovely Lauda Sion, written to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Feast of Corpus Christi, for the Church of St Martin in Liège, completes the programme. Not to be missed!