Beethoven: Missa solemnis, Op. 123

Freiburger Barockorchester, RIAS Kammerchor, René Jacobs, Polina Pastirchak, Sophie Harmsen, Steve Davislim, Johannes Weisser

Released on 29/01/2021 by harmonia mundi
Main artists: Freiburger Barockorchester, RIAS Kammerchor, René Jacobs, Polina Pastirchak, Sophie Harmsen, Steve Davislim, Johannes Weisser
Genre: Masses, Passions, Requiems

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Faced with the plethora of Beethoven recordings released in 2020, we expect more from some than from others, and this applies to this Missa Solemnis. An absolute masterpiece of Western music, it is conducted by René Jacobs, whose recent recording of Leonore (the first version of the opera Fidelio by the same Beethoven) conquered the musical world.

Composed in 1824, the Missa, "a rough and uncomfortable work that leaves no room for narcissism in the singers" according to René Jacobs (and he would know what he is talking about!) is an older sister to the Ninth Symphony which shares the same faith in man over divinity. Recorded in Berlin in May 2019, this version packs as intense a gut-punch as a live concert.

The understated and profound Kyrie brings shadow and meditation. Then, a surging explosive Gloria, a stirring call for peace and brotherhood, from the heart of all humanity presses this splendid performance onward. Without doubt, the RIAS Kammerchor has added one more stone to an edifice of recordings of the highest quality. In addition we are treated to an instrumental finale rarely heard and four soloists who contribute to the expressive power of the whole. All of Beethoven is here, with his idealism, his tenderness, and also his way of hammering out peace with mighty blows. As Goethe would have said “He would squash a fly with a rock”. © François Hudry/Qobuz

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Beethoven: Missa solemnis, Op. 123

Freiburger Barockorchester

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Missa Solemnis, op. 123 (Ludwig van Beethoven)

Kyrie "Kyrie eleison" - "Christie eleison" - "Kyrie eleison"