Haydn’s “Nelson Mass” & Mozart’s Requiem

Bernard Labadie inaugurates his premiere season as OSL Principal Conductor by pairing Haydn’s “Nelson Mass” in its original orchestration with Mozart’s dramatic and expressive Requiem.

The “Nelson Mass” might have been inspired by the visit of the British naval hero Lord Admiral Nelson to the Esterházy estate. There’s certainly a martial flair to the work—trumpets and drums work overtime—particularly in its forceful Kyrie and Benedictus. There’s also lore surrounding Mozart’s Requiem, mostly courtesy of Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus, but the music reigns supreme. The choral music is grand, the passages for solo voices are expressive, and the orchestral writing anticipates the Romantics with its color and gripping dramatic power.

Orchestra of St. Luke’s dedicates this performance to the loving memory of our dear friend and colleague, Charles Hamlen, who served as the Orchestra’s Artistic Advisor. His joy in music and musicians created a wellspring of inspiration for all who knew him.