Missa Solemnis
Archduke Rudolph , the most devoted of the composer's patrons, was appointed
Archbishop of Olmutz and the ordination was set for
March 1820. A year earlier, Beethoven began work on a Mass, to be performed at that ceremony. However, this composition took on epic proportions and it was not until 1824 that the Mass in D Op 123 (Missa Solemnis) was finally completed.
Michael Berkeley explores the background to this masterpiece and discusses it with tonight's conductor, Sir Colin Davis.
Margaret Price (soprano)
Alfreda Hodgson (contralto) Keith Lewis (tenor) Stafford Dean (bass) Ardwyn Singers
BBC Welsh Chorus
Cardiff Polyphonic Choir BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra led by JAMES CLARK.
Recorded in St David 's Hall, Cardiff.
OB lighting LEN STEPHENS OB sound GEOFF ATKINS Producer ANDREW QUICK Director HEFIN OWEN BBC Wales (R) revised