The Proprium Missæ project will eventually provide editions of all short liturgical works by Michael Haydn. Now that the first phase of this project comes to a close, it is time to recommend some fascinating works.

Graduals

The gradual that has fascinated me most is Exultabunt sancti (370), a vivid account of Haydn’s creativity. Written in E minor (3/8 time signature), it is a highly dramatic piece that culminates in a surprisingly chromatic Alleluia.

The following works are also of extraordinary interest:

  • 341: Viderunt omnes (polyphonic)
  • 342: Laudate pueri (for female chorus)
  • 344: Hic est discipulus ille
  • 345: Ecce sacerdos magnus
  • 351: Salvos fac nos
  • 360: Dolorosa et lacrymabilis es (extremely sad and colorful)
  • 365: Alleluia, ascendit Deus
  • 381: Benedicite Dominum
  • 385: Timete Dominum (finishes with an allebreve fugue)
  • 442: Universi qui te expectant
  • 453: Tribulationes cordis mei
  • 497: Timebunt gentes (6/8 time signature)
  • 638: Gaude virgo mater Christi
  • 827: Domine Deus salutis meæ (a 4 voci in canone)

Offertoria

  • 183: Tres sunt, qui testimonium dant (established Haydn’s fame as church composer)
  • 259: Quicunque manducaverit (highly dramatic and chromatic solo and tutti parts, very baroque)
  • 269: Canta Ierusalem (rondo)

Antiphons

  • 270: Alma Redemptoris mater
  • 283: Salve Regina

Sequences

  • 400: Læta quies magni ducis

(But really, all of them are interesting!).

Hymns

Misc

  • 592/811: Bußgeſang in der Faſtenszeit
  • 628: Introitus, Graduale, Offertorium et Communio ad Missam in Cœna Domini