Antonio CALDARA (1670–1736):
Kyrie a 8
Gregor Joseph WERNER (1693–1766):
Missa alacrioris animi (Ms. Mus. III. 30)
—
Joseph HAYDN (1732–1809):
Missa Sancti Nicolai, Hob. XXII:6
Organiser: Karmelita koncertek
Co-operating partner: Haydneum
Arranged within the 5th Haydneum Autumn Festival, the programme of the concert entitled Unknown Venice planned for the Beethoven Hall, Carmelite Monastery has, most unfortunately, had to be changed due to health issues affecting Lajos Rovátkay. However, the new programme, too, is inspired by the spirit of the artist. Venice plays a key role in the programme: Lajos Rovátkay’s research and music activities of inestimable value have been built on the musical significance of, among others, this city. To start the evening, Antonio Caldara’s movingly beautiful, 8-part Kyrie in A minor is performed by Purcell Choir and Orfeo Orchestra under the baton of György Vashegyi. The superb composer, raised as a student of Legrenzi and Ziani, and active in Venice, carried the Venetian ‘red thread of Fate’ across into Vienna where he became teacher to Gregor Joseph Werner, among others. Of the many works by Werner – who was one of the most important composers at the court of Esterházy, and whose music history and Hungarian-related significance Haydneum Hungarian Centre for Early Music is unable to overemphasize – the audience can enjoy his mass composition in C major, Missa Alacrioris animi. Gregor Joseph Werner was Joseph Haydn’s predecessor in the service of the Esterházy family, thus this programme showcases works by three composers who were in close artistic proximity to each other. After the intermission, we have Haydn’s Missa Sancti Nicolai, which was performed in August 2025 for the first time in close on 270 years. We sincerely trust that we will be able to stage Lajos Rovátkay’s 70th anniversary concert at a later date, and in the meantime we look forward to welcoming our audience to this very special concert.
