Ludwig Van Beethoven: Missa Solemnisby Beirut768

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November 04, 2008: Here I want to focus on OP 123 Beethoven's

It is not surprising to have marvelous music when Berliner Philharmoniker under Herbert von Karajan meets with Ludwig van Beethoven.

The life of Karajan's mind was wholly in his musical interpretations, and up to Missa solemnis', this 1985 recording reveals spiritual aspirations and sublimity of thought. Outside this perfect work, Karajan never displayed any iota of inclination for old-age artistic or intellectual relaxation - He has always been in an endless search for the `right' music until the last day of his life.

Four years after the publication of this CD, Karajan died.

Beethoven worked on The Missa solemnis - in D Major, Op. 123 - from 1819-1823. It was first performed on April 7, 1824 in St. Petersburg. Prince Nikolai Gallitzin, Beethoven's sponsor, supported the procession. A partial performance was given in Vienna on 7 May 1824 and to the Viennese luck the Kyrie, Credo, and Agnus Dei were conducted by Beethoven.

Missa solemnis is believed to be one of the composer's supreme achievements among musicians. (Perhaps Bach's Mass in B Minor and Beethoven's Missa solemnis are the most significant church music ever written)

Beethoven did not hesitate to refer to it, in his last years; as his last farewell.

What a coincidence with Karajan; four years after its birth, in 1827 Beethoven died.

Beethoven wrote Messa solemnis almost at the same time as his Ninth Symphony. Perhaps this is why the musical form of the Missa solemnis is more cognate with a symphony and choral accompaniment than the conventional choral Mass.
The Mass is composed of Five Movements: Kyrie . Gloria: Credo: Sanctus: and Agnus Dei.

Which movement I liked most?

All five.....