The Newton Choral Society's season opener introduces intriguing contrasts of two well-known composers: Beethoven and Haydn. This concert features two pieces composed in the same decade for the same prince, but a world apart in structure and feeling. Beethoven's Mass in C has been called "a long underrated masterpiece." The composer's first mass, written in 1807, was a major departure from those of his one-time teacher, Hayden. More daring and less predictable, it pushed the boundaries of harmonic development for the time.
Haydn's Te Deum represents the composer at the height of his powers. Written for Empress Marie Therese, over the objections of Prince Esterhazy who coveted Haydn's genius for himself, it was first presented in 1800 during the visit of Lord Nelson. This three-part choral drama is filled with joyous festivity, complete with trumpets and drums.
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