Johann Michael Haydn (1737–1806), younger brother of the famous Joseph Haydn, was a prolific composer in his own right, renowned for his choral, orchestral, and sacred music. Two of his notable masses, the Missa pro defuncto Archiepiscopo Sigismondo (MH 395) and the Missa in honorem Sanctae Ursulae (MH 107), exemplify his contribution to the classical sacred music tradition and reflect his deep connections with the church and his role as a court composer in Salzburg.

Missa pro defuncto Archiepiscopo Sigismondo (Requiem)
Composed in 1774, this Mass was written in memory of Sigismund von Schrattenbach, the Archbishop of Salzburg, who passed away that year. The mass is a work of mourning and reverence, using traditional Catholic funeral liturgy as its structure. The piece is known for its solemn, expressive qualities, with the music capturing the gravity of the occasion. The mass is characterised by its rich choral writing, including a poignant Requiem aeternam and a stirring Lacrimosa, underscoring Haydn's ability to evoke both the sacred and the emotional. This work, though often overshadowed by the more famous Requiem masses of Mozart and his brother Joseph, remains a testament to Johann Michael’s skill at blending traditional Catholic liturgical forms with expressive, almost operatic choral writing.

Missa in honorem Sanctae Ursulae (Chiemsee)
Composed in 1778, this mass is a celebratory work in honour of Saint Ursula, the patron saint of the Salzburg diocese. The composition reflects a different tone than the Missa pro defuncto, being more uplifting and joyful in nature. The Missa in honorem Sanctae Ursulae showcases Haydn’s mastery in handling large choral forces and his elegant orchestral writing. The structure of this mass adheres to the standard form but with a particular emphasis on melodic charm and clarity. It contains moments of grandeur, with intricate counterpoint and beautifully flowing melodic lines, typical of the classical style of the late 18th century.

Both masses underscore Michael Haydn’s compositional versatility, demonstrating his ability to convey both reverence and celebration in his sacred music, tailored to the specific needs of his patrons and liturgical events.