Beethoven, Missa Solemnis
“From the heart—may it again—go to the heart!” Beethoven inscribed these words in the manuscript of his mighty Missa solemnis, one of his last and largest compositions. His initial motivation was to honorhis friend, student, and patron, Archduke Rudolph, who was to be installed as Archbishop of Olmütz in March 1820. But the project grew in proportions and Beethoven missed the deadline by several years. He added that the Missa solemnis is the “greatest work I have composed so far.” Even allowing for the facts that Beethoven was telling this to a publisher and that in 1822 he had not yet composed the Ninth Symphony and the last string quartets, his declaration must be taken seriously. Its gestation took more than four years and came at a crucial juncture in Beethoven’s career. As the aging and deaf composer increasingly withdrew from society, he created a musical testimony that is one of the supreme expressions of personal belief. Our version will feature an arrangement for chamber orchestra by Linckelmann.
Beethoven, Missa Solemnis
“From the heart—may it again—go to the heart!” Beethoven inscribed these words in the manuscript of his mighty Missa solemnis, one of his last and largest compositions. His initial motivation was to honorhis friend, student, and patron, Archduke Rudolph, who was to be installed as Archbishop of Olmütz in March 1820. But the project grew in proportions and Beethoven missed the deadline by several years. He added that the Missa solemnis is the “greatest work I have composed so far.” Even allowing for the facts that Beethoven was telling this to a publisher and that in 1822 he had not yet composed the Ninth Symphony and the last string quartets, his declaration must be taken seriously. Its gestation took more than four years and came at a crucial juncture in Beethoven’s career. As the aging and deaf composer increasingly withdrew from society, he created a musical testimony that is one of the supreme expressions of personal belief. Our version will feature an arrangement for chamber orchestra by Linckelmann.
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