Beethoven: Missa solemnis | Kent Nagano and Concerto Köln

Beethoven's “Missa solemnis” under the baton of star conductor Kent Nagano was an extraordinary concert, performed on October 29, 2021 in the magnificent setting of Cologne Cathedral.

Valentina Farcas - soprano
Rachel Frenkel - mezzo-soprano
Werner Güra - tenor
Andreas Wolf - bass
Cologne Cathedral Vocal Ensemble
Eberhard Metternich - preparation
Concerto Köln
Kent Nagano - conductor
Andrès Verdaguer - sound director

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)
Mass for four soloists, choir, full orchestra and organ in D major, Op. 123 (“Missa solemnis”), (1819 - 23)

(00:00) Opening credits
(01:03) Kyrie: Assai sostenuto: With devotion
(10:03) Gloria: Allegro vivace
(26:27) Credo: Allegro ma non troppo
(43:43) Sanctus: Adagio. With devotion
(57:42) Agnus Dei: Adagio

Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Missa solemnis” is considered one of the composer's most important works, Beethoven himself described it as one of his finest. The Solemn Mass Op. 123, written between 1819 and 1823, reflects Beethoven’s struggle with religion and has a confessional character. The composer had previously studied the text of the Latin Mass extensively. It demands a great deal from the vocal soloists, the choir and the large orchestra.

The Concerto Köln ensemble is world-renowned for its historically authentic performances. Its members are known for using original instruments from Beethoven’s time – and this performance is no exception. While the group does not have a permanent conductor, they named Kent Nagano their “honorary conductor”, due to his deep appreciation and respect for historical performance.

Archduke Rudolf of Austria, a great patron and student of Beethoven’s, commissioned the master musician to compose a festive mass in honor of his appointment as archbishop. However, because he took over four years to compose it, Beethoven finished the piece much too late for the occasion. The mass was also far too long to be a standard liturgical mass. To this day, it is mainly performed in concert halls.

Despite the fact that it is usually performed in concert, Beethoven’s “Missa solemnis” is ultimately a sacred work. Cologne Cathedral with its majestic stained-glass windows and mighty gothic columns veiled in violet lighting served as the perfect backdrop for this concert.

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