Missa Hispanica

Michael Haydn's Missa Hispanica or Missa a due cori, Klafsky I:17, MH 422, was presumably written for Spain, but there is no evidence of its ever having been performed there during Haydn's lifetime. The mass is scored for 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 2 horns in low C, F and G, 2 trumpets in C, timpani, strings, basso continuo, SATB soloists, and two mixed choirs.

The mass setting is divided into the usual six movements:

1. "Kyrie" Largo, C major, common time
2. "Gloria" Allegro con spirito, C major, common time
3. "Credo" Vivace, C major, 3/4
4. "Sanctus" Andante con moto, C major, common time
5. "Benedictus" Allegro moderato, C major, 3/4
6. "Agnus Dei" Largo, C major, 3/4

The Austrian premiere was in Kremsmünster on June 24, 1792, a performance in Salzburg followed in 1796. When Empress Marie Therese visited Salzburg in 1805, she liked the music so much she wanted to have her own copy of the score.