[.ca] Beethoven, Ludwig Van: Missa Solemnis

From Amazon.com:
The extreme difficulties inherent in performing Beethoven's Missa Solemnis (which the very first performers complained about at an 1824 Vienna rehearsal) include Beethoven's imposing high notes for both the vocal soloists and members of the chorus. As he did in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony (the "Ode to Joy"), Beethoven was reaching for the Divine throughout his Solemn Mass, and there is no doubt that, in the right hands, true musical divinity is reached. We are very near perfection in this glorious 1986 performance, preserved for posterity in all its digital glory. Conductor Michael Gielen leads the superb Südwestfunk Symphony Orchestra and Prague Philharmonic Choir, along with an excellent quartet of soloists: soprano Phyllis Bryn-Julson, alto Marjana Lipovsek, tenor Josef Protschka, and bass Kurt Rydl. The 500-year-old, gothic-style Amandus Church in Bad Urach, Germany, where this "Missa Solemnis" was filmed makes a striking and solemn backdrop to this often joyful music. The DVD's extras are plentiful and illuminating. There's translation of the text and musical analysis via subtitles, a glossary of musical terms, a historical timeline of world events while Beethoven was composing, and brief bios of performers and conductor. The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound is an aural knockout, but even in standard two-channel stereo, this is a musical event to cherish. --Kevin Filipski

Musical Perfection:
Beethoven is far and away my favorite composer but I've always had a tougher time with the Missa Solemnis than any of his other compositions. I have no musical training and had a hard time grasping the structure within each movement when listening to a CD, even after reviewing the liner notes. But knowing that Beethoven considered it his greatest composition made me pretty certain that the problem was me, not him. Listening to and watching this performance with the music analysis subtitles option finally turned on the light switch. The analysis is not obtrusive or distracting; it only points out the key elements of the composition as they occur (or slightly before) and it makes the structure of each movement readily apparent. This is a wonderful performance and the sound is excellent. The conductor, orchestra, chorus and soloists are all outstanding. 5 stars is too low for this, but it's all Amazon allows. If you even think you might be interested, don't hesitate.

Beethoven - Missa Solemnis:
I agree with every word from Mr.Kevin Filipski (above). Stupendous music, a exemple of how a DVD must be produced (plenty of useful extras, excellent sound and image), a very competent orchestra/chorus, four outstanding soloists, and a great maestro, that really feels the music. How nice will be have, someday in the next years, Beethoven's symphonies with Herr Gielen conducting, on DVDs (his series on CD are great). A gorgeous moment here is the "Agnus Dei": the trumpet/timpani fanfare at "Dona Nobis Pacem" is emotionally very deep, worthy of that genius: Ludwig van Beethoven. And there is the option of listen the music reading subtitles (lyrics or explanations about the music itself). This is one of the best DVDs I had buyed in my life.

A stunning Beethoven Missa Solemnis:
I purchased this DVD based on the description and review above. This is a DVD I will treasure. The choir is excellent and so, too, are the soloists, conductor and orchestra. The sopranos in the choir reach the difficult high notes with commendable ease and the sound throughout is excellent, surpassing my expectations. The church setting is both appropriate and moving. If you like this magnificent work, don't hesitate to buy this DVD.