Beethoven: Mass in C Major

Beethoven's C major Mass, the first of his two settings of the Mass, appears decidedly modern and forward-looking in its subjective, confessional musical language and opens up entirely new expressive dimensions for the liturgical text. It is by no means to be understood as a precursor to the Missa solemnis, but rather as a highly independent work that set new standards for the further development of Mass composition in the 19th century. The composer himself was aware of its originality: "I do not like to say anything about my Mass, or about myself in general, but I believe that I have treated the text in a way that had hitherto been little explored," Beethoven remarked. The C major Mass, Op. 86, composed in 1807, offered his contemporaries a modern approach to faith that had hitherto been unknown and remains relevant today. This major work in the history of sacred music also offers deeply moving and sonically beautiful music of confession. This album was recorded during two concerts held on January 11 and 12, 2018, at the Philharmonie im Gasteig in Munich. The outstanding cast consists of Genia Kühmeier (soprano), Gerhild Romberger (alto), Maximilian Schmitt (tenor), and Luca Pisaroni (bass-baritone), with the Bavarian Radio Choir and Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Mariss Jansons. These concerts were held on the occasion of the 75th birthday of the chief conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. The album is completed by a recording of Beethoven's Leonoren Overture No. 3, taken from a live recording at the Herkulessaal in the Munich Residenz on January 29/30, 2004.