Beethoven: Missa Solemnis
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Synopsis by Mark Deming
Composed over a period of five years, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis in D was regarded by the composer as his "biggest and most perfect achievement;" it was also among his last major works, and it would not be published or performed in its entirety until after his death. This video release records a performance of the epic mass (written to celebrate the rise of Archduke Randolph, a friend and student of Beethoven, to the position of Archduke of Olmiitz), performed by The Metropolitan Orchestra of Montreal under the direction of Joseph Reseigno.