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Beethoven's Missa solemnis

Beethoven's Missa solemnis

Elin Manahan Thomas picks her favourite recording of Beethoven's Missa solemnis.

Record Review Podcast · BBC Radio 3

July 4, 202247m 15s

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Show Notes

Elin Manahan Thomas compares recordings of Beethoven's Missa solemnis and chooses her favourite.

Beethoven's setting of the Solemn Mass is one of the monuments of choral music. Written between 1819 and 1823, it is widely thought of as one of Beethoven's towering achievements. It was dedicated to Archduke Rudolf of Austria, one of Beethoven's most generous patrons as well as pupil and friend. The copy given to Rudolf was inscribed with the phrase: "From the heart – may it return to the heart!"