To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven,
the choir and joined by four virtuoso soloists and orchestra to
perform his undisputed masterpiece - the Missa solemnis (1819-23).
Beethoven composed the Missa Solemnis for the enthronement of his
great friend and pupil Archduke Rudolph as Archbishop of Olmütz –
completing it three years after the enthronement ceremony. There is
nevertheless a theatricality to the work that has led many
commentators to suggest that it is more appropriate to the concert
hall than the church. With four soloists and a choir, some have even
suggested it should be regarded more as a short opera than anything
else. A modern critic wrote: To those for whom Beethoven’s music is
an important reason for living, the Missa Solemnis belongs at the
centre of their experience – a work to respect, certainly, but still
more to love. Indeed, Beethoven wrote these words on the manuscript:
From the heart - may it return to the heart.
Programme:
Missa solemnis - Ludwig van Beethoven (1712-73)
Northampton Bach Choir
Orchestra da Camera Soprano - Erika Mädi Jones
Mezzo-soprano - Margaret McDonald
Tenor - Christopher Steele
Bass - Brian Bannatyne-Scott
Conductor - Lee Dunleavy
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