Haydn composed this mass in 1796, one of the most popular of his mass settings, at the time of Austria’s general mobilisation into war. With the title, “Mass in Time of War,” Haydn subtly moves the focus from the conflict itself to what it means to those who must endure its consequences–who understand what it means to live in a time of war. He offers them comfort, but also a clear message: We don’t want victory, we want peace!