A study of Johann Michael Haydn's church music and a performing analysis of 'Run, Ye Shepherds to the Light' ('Lauft, ihr Hirten allzugleich') for a recital performance

For 200 years, Johann Michael Haydn (1737-1806) has remained in the shadow of the more renowned classical composers. Highly respected for his compositional skill during his life time, Haydn fell into obscurity along with many musicians when secular concert music superseded sacred music in popularity during the late eighteenth century.;Haydn's charming and simple Christmas cantata, Run, Ye Shepherds to the Light is examined, and performing suggestions regarding forces reguired, tempi, phrasing and articulation, and ornamentation are given.;This project report addresses some of the socio-political and cultural conditions which affected Haydn's life and ultimately his music. Though criticized as too old-fashioned and circumspect, Michael Haydn nevertheless composed many masterful works, which were praised and imitated by Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Mozart. Much of his church music is liturgically appropriate today.