BEETHOVEN: Missa Solemnis

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Missa Solemnis Op. 123

Luba Orgonasova - soprano
Birgit Remmert - alto
Christian Elsner - tenor
Bjarni Thor Kristinsson, bass
European Choir Academy
Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg
Michael Gielen - director

plus DVD: interviews and excerpts from rehearsals· documentation

About his Missa solemnis (a solemn mass), Beethoven wrote: “Heartfelt – may it be received with a warm heart, too.” Like his Symphony No. 9, the Missa solemnis is the highlight of Beethoven's choir symphonic oeuvre, demanding the highest skills and effort on the part of the soloists, the choir and the orchestra. Michael Gielen has set standards of music-oriented interpretations in his performances and recordings. The enclosed DVD includes an interview with him as well as parts of rehearsals in which he discusses his creative maxims.