There is little reliable information about the origin of this mass composed between 1773 and 1776. The title refers to the founder of the Order of the Brothers of Mercy, Saint John of God (1495–1550), but during the second half of the 19th century, the German nickname “Kleine Orgelmesse” (Little Organ Mass) became established. This name is not entirely accurate in terms of terminology and may even be misleading: It would be more correct to call it an “organ solo mass” since the most prominent feature of the composition is the concertante organ part, but strings are also involved. It is possible that this organ solo was composed and played by Haydn himself to showcase his virtuosity on the occasion of his appointment as organist of the Eisenstadt Castle Church in 1773.

This edition, which is based on the new revised Complete Edition volume issued by G. Henle Verlag, replaces BA04653. A new edition was deemed necessary due to the discovery of further relevant sources and the correction of numerous errors.

Instrumentation in detail: Soprano solo, Mixed choir (SATB), Violin (2), Viola, Organ

Editor: Andreas Friesenhagen

Arranger: Heinz Moehn