Haydn's Mass in Time of
War, also called the Paukenmesse, was composed in 1796, following
Haydn's return to Vienna after years in London, where he
enjoyed immense popularity. Through Haydn's prominent use
of tympani, we get the musical image of distant cannon fire
from Napoleon's approaching armies, which greatly concerned
the people of Austria at that time. The final Dona Nobis
Pachem became both a prayer for peace and victory.
This performance of the Mass inTime of War will be conducted
by the famous Paul Salamunovich.
