Johann Michael Haydn (1737-1806), younger brother of Joseph Haydn and contemporary of Mozart in Salzburg, completed this work on December 8,1793.This extended Vesper service in seven movements for three-part womenÆs choir, two horns and strings, represents a significant addition to the body of major works originally composed for treble voices. Haydn's setting of the Vespers was written for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which occurs on December 28th, and commemorates the slaughter of the children in Bethlehem by King Herod. This modern performing edition is based upon the autograph score located in the library of the Museum Carolino Augusteum in Salzburg.