Haydn: Te Deum and Nelson Mass / Mozart: Symphony No.41 ‘Jupiter’

Haydn composed the Mass in 1798 during the Napoleonic wars when much of Austria was occupied by the French. His own title was Missa in angustiis (Mass in troubled times), but as its completion had coincided with Nelson’s victory over the French in the Battle of the Nile it came to be known as the ‘Nelson’ Mass. Despite the air of foreboding in some of the movements, the Mass is generally confident and joyful.

The dramatic Te Deum (We Praise Thee, O Lord) for chorus and orchestra was commissioned by the Habsburg Empress, Maria Theresa. In 1800 Lord Nelson and the Empress heard both works performed in the Eisenstadt palace of Haydn’s employer Prince Esterházy. 

Mozart’s sublime and exhilarating final symphony was the last of three symphonies to be composed in quick succession during the summer of 1788. It was probably the London impresario Salomon who named it after the mightiest of the ancient
Roman gods.

London Concert Choir, one of London’s leading amateur choirs, is about to celebrate its 60th anniversary. It regularly appears with Music
Director Mark Forkgen at London’s premier concert venues and is notable for its conviction and expressiveness in an unusually varied repertoire. The Counterpoint ensemble is made up of leading period instrument specialists.