(Boston, December 11, 2019) The Handel and Haydn Society continues its acclaimed Haydn exploration with a live recording of the dramatic and sumptuous Mass in B-flat major more commonly known as the Harmoniemesse. It is accompanied by the Symphony No. 99 in E-flat major. Released on the CORO record label, Haydn Masses Volume 1 was recorded live under the baton of H+H Artistic Director Harry Christophers at Symphony Hall in Boston on January 25 and 27, 2019.
Symphony No. 99 in E-Flat Major is the seventh of the 12 “London” symphonies written by Joseph Haydn. The work, which premiered in 1794, is scored for two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, and strings allowing the acclaimed Handel and Haydn Society Orchestra to shine in this historically informed performance.
Known as Harmoniemesse because of its use of a full wind band, the Mass in B-Flat Major was the last major work written by Haydn and is divided into six movements. The recording features the Handel and Haydn Society Orchestra and Chorus, along with soprano Mireille Asselin, a Canadian singer deemed “superb” by the Los Angeles Times, and praised for her stage presence. Also featured are British mezzo-soprano Catherine Wyn-Rogers, bringing a larger-than-life presence to the H+H performance; British tenor Jeremy Budd, who brings a strong, mature voice; and American baritone Sumner Thompson, hailed as the “real thing” by the Cleveland Plain Dealer and often praised for his elegant style.
The Handel and Haydn Society is America’s oldest continuously operating arts organization. Harry Christophers has been Artistic Director since 2008 during which time the Society has released 12 recordings on CORO including Haydn’s Creation, all six of his “Paris” symphonies, Mozart’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah, and a Christmas album – Joy to the World – celebrating America’s favorite festive tunes.
Click here to listen to excerpts from the performance.
Haydn Masses Volume 1 is available for purchase at any Handel and Haydn Show or online at HandelandHaydn.org.
Handel and Haydn’s 2019–20 Season Performances include:
A Baroque Christmas Dec 19 + 22, 2019 NEC’s Jordan Hall
Mozart + Haydn Jan 24 + 26, 2020 Symphony Hall
Beethoven + Mozart Feb 14 + 16, 2020 NEC’s Jordan Hall
Haydn + Beethoven Feb 28 + March 1, 2020 NEC’s Jordan Hall
Bach St. Matthew Passion April 3 + 5, 2020 Symphony Hall
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons May 1 + 3, 2020 Symphony Hall
About the Handel and Haydn Society
Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society is dedicated to performing Baroque and Classical music with a freshness, a vitality, and a creativity that inspires all ages. H+H has been captivating audiences for 205 consecutive seasons (the most of any performing arts organization in the United States). Today, H+H’s Orchestra and Chorus delight more than 50,000 listeners annually with a nine-week subscription series at Boston Symphony Hall and other leading venues. Through the Karen S. and George D. Levy Education Program, H+H supports seven youth choirs of singers in grades 2-12 and provides thousands of complimentary tickets to students and communities throughout Boston, ensuring the joy of music is accessible to all. H+H’s numerous free community concerts include an annual commemoration of the original 1863 Emancipation Proclamation concert on December 31. The artistic director of the Handel and Haydn Society is Harry Christophers. Under Christophers’s leadership, H+H has released 13 CDs on the Coro label and has toured nationally and internationally. In all these ways, H+H fulfills its mission to inspire the intellect, touch the heart, elevate the soul, and connect us with our shared humanity through transformative experiences with Baroque and Classical music.
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