Große Mariazeller Messe in C: Missa Cellensis in honorem BVM. Cäcilienmesse, Soloists, Mixed Choir and Orchestra, Vocal Score

When Joseph Haydn assumed the position as music director of the Court of Esterházy in 1766, following the death of his predecessor, Gregor Joseph Werner, he began by composing one of his first and most extensive Missa solemnis. The title  Missa Cellensis [later also known as the  Cecilian Mass ] and the date of an autograph score suggest that this work was probably commissioned by Prince Nicolaus Esterházy for the 600th anniversary of the pilgrimage church Mariazell located in Styria. With regard to the scoring as well as form, this Mass is still in the tradition of the late baroque  number mass. In contrast to previous  mixed versions based on various sources, the newedition follows the authentic [original] version using the most reliable sources.