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Haydn's "Mass in Time of War"
Facilitator: Gavin Carr
Join celebrated choral maestro Gavin Carr to explore one of Haydn’s most beautiful and fascinating works, his ‘Mass in Time of War’ (‘Messe in tempore belli’, also known as the ‘Paukenmesse’). With its famous Agnus Dei reflecting the anxieties of the Napoleonic invasion of Austria as it was being written, this work has all the hallmarks of Haydn’s late style, from infectious fugues to beautiful solos and magnificent choral writing. We shall be joined by students from the Royal Academy of Music to sing the solos, and this joyful weekend will climax in a performance run-through of the entire work.
A limited number of Early-Bird places are available – Early-bird places now sold out.
Single and non-residential places bookable here; if you wish to book a residential shared place, then please email Cathy on info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk or call the above number.
Event time: Fri 16th Aug 2024 at 4:00pm - Sun 18th Aug 2024 at 4:15pm
- Choral singing for male and female voices
- Friendly, supportive, retreat atmosphere
- Teaching from a leading conductor
What Participants Will Gain
- Understanding the deep structure of choral music
- Experience in singing challenging music
- Develop sight-singing and listening skills
"Gavin Carr conducts extensively throughout the UK and Europe, working with leading orchestras and choruses in major venues. Chorus master of the celebrated Philharmonia Chorus and chorus director of the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, he collaborates with many of the world’s leading arts organisations and soloists."
About “Mass in Time of War”
Haydn’s ’Mass in Time of War’ is actually a delightful and elegant late-style work, full of rare beauty and vivaciousness. The title reflects the unusual circumstances of its composition, when Napoleon was at the gates of Vienna and anxiety was strong in the Austrian populace. But it is only in the final ‘Agnus Dei’, where Haydn gives the timpani a surprising and novel role, that we sense the disturbance beneath the seeming calmness. It was this movement that inspired Beethoven’s extraordinary use of the timpani in the final movement of his ‘Missa Solemnis’, and it is also the reason why in the German-speaking world this Mass is often called the Drum-Mass (Paukenmesse). The rest of the Mass is full of classic Haydn joie de vivre, with fine solos and wonderful choral writing.
Your Stay at Hawkwood
Hawkwood is a stunning Grade II listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there’s plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts. Our programme of courses is led by experienced tutors and leaders in their fields.
What Is Included
Both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B.
Additional Activities
Mindful walking through our woodland trails
Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
Discover surrounding charming market towns
Price Options
£297 Early-Bird Non-Residential
£357 Early-Bird Residential Shared
£399 Early-Bird Residential Single
£350 Non-Residential
£420 Residential Shared
£470 Residential Single
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Practical Information
The ability to sing in tune among other voices and capability in reading music is required for this course. Vocal edition: New Novello Choral Edition. Limited places, so early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
Please note that prices are listed per person.
Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B.
Arrival and registration from 4.00 pm Friday. A sing-through concert takes place on Sunday afternoon, open to the public; the course ends with afternoon tea at 4.15 pm following this.
Gavin Carr
Gavin Carr is today one of the UK’s busiest conductors, working with leading orchestras and choruses in a hugely varied repertoire. A multi-faceted musician, a trained artist, poet, and composer, his celebrated energy and sense of positivity flows through all his activities. Conductor of two of the UK’s leading symphony choruses, the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and the Philharmonia Chorus, he also directs Bath Minerva Choir and is Founder-Director of Chorus Angelorum.
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