The Harmoniemesse is the last of the "High Masses" which Haydn composed between 1796 and 1802 for the name day of the Princess Esterházy, and at the same time it was the last composition which Haydn ever completed. It was given its name because of the important role which the wind instruments play in the Mass. In a number of passages the present critical edition differs from previous editions and, consequently, it follows other readings of the sources. Hence it is also to be regarded as a contribution towards a new evaluation of the work.