Sunday 8 May 2011 at 10.30am

For the last five years, Hereford Cathedral has celebrated its Feast of Consecration by performing in the context of the Eucharist one of the six last masses by Joseph Haydn (1732–1809). Haydn composed these masses in the final years of his life and, while he intended them for performance during mass in the Bergkirche (pilgrimage church) at Eisenstadt in Austria where he was employed, they were often heard only on the concert platform until recently.

Some of the last six masses are more well-known than others. The so-called ‘Nelson’ Mass is probably the best-known, but the mass to be performed this Sunday 8 May has also been popular ever since the rousing reception which it received at its first performance in 1802. The last of the six to be written, it is known as the ‘Harmoniemesse’: the German word ‘harmonie’ was the term used in the eighteenth century for a wind band, and it is used in this context because of the exceptionally rich scoring for wind instruments in this mass, more so than in any of the other five.

Sunday’s celebration will continue Hereford Cathedral’s established tradition of performing a large mass with orchestra, once a year, on its Feast of Consecration. Staging a liturgical performance of a mass of this scale is a substantial undertaking, which places considerable demands upon singers and instrumentalists alike, and we can only achieve it thanks to generous sponsorship: we feel that the cathedral’s Feast of Consecration is an ideal occasion to focus our very best resources. This festival is the occasion when we give thanks to God for the cathedral building itself; for its foundation; for those who built it and endowed it; and for all who have worshipped in it through the centuries. We do not know the precise year when the cathedral was consecrated, but 11 May has always been kept as the festival since mediaeval times, and we keep it now on the Sunday nearest to this date.

Everyone is welcome to join us for this celebration. The Eucharist begins at 10.30am and drinks will be served after the service in the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace, hosted by Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust.