This little-known work is a cantata written for the fiftieth anniversary of the taking of priestly vows of the Abbot of Zwettle Abbey. Between the performance given then and 1958 (when the BBC played it in an "Unknown Haydn" broadcast) it appears to have had no performances. However, Haydn thriftily used various numbers from this large-scale work in religious works, fitted with new words. The Cantata is for vocal quintet (there are two basses) with a festive orchestra of pairs of oboes, horns, and trumpets and timpani, with an independent part for single bassoon, strings including a violin solo part, and harpsichord solo.

The cantata has many good things in it, including two fine bass arias and an exceptionally difficult tenor aria. In fact, it is so florid and extended that it is nearly unsingable today. Overall, though there is something a little too studied and pompous about the work as a whole, in part because of the great length of its several accompanied recitatives.

© Joseph Stevenson, All Music Guide