Mass C-Major, op. 86
After Joseph Haydn, Nikolaus II. Prince Esterházy commissioned Ludwig van Beethoven to compose a mass to celebrate his wife’s name day. Thus, within nine months, Beethoven wrote the mass in C major, op. 86, which premiered in Eisenstadt on December 13, 1807. With this composition Beethoven established the tradition of concertante mass performances, thereby bringing sacred music to the concert halls. The mass was written for a choir, a large orchestra and organ, however, the choir and the four interwoven solo parts are predominant. This already becomes apparent in the pleading, lyrical vocals of the Kyrie. Also the Gloria and the Credo make full use of the voices, both starting powerfully and then leading to more contemplative, hymnic dispositions. While the Sanctus conveys a diffident, pastoral mood, the dynamic character of Benedictus already leads up to the Agnus Dei, which appears like a tremendous outcry and in parts refers back to the melodious Kyrie. The mass was first performed at the Vienna Imperial Chapel in 1840. Translation: Nora Tunkel
Conductor: Johannes Ebenbauer
Organist: Jeremy Joseph
Choir: Vienna Boys Choir, Vienna State Opera men's choir, Choralschola of the Imperial Court Chapel
Orchestra: Members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
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