Bach Collegium Japan & Masaaki Suzuki - Beethoven: Missa solemnis, Op. 123 (2018) [Hi-Res]

Beethovenbegan composing the Missasolemnisin 1819, when he learned that his patron (and pupil) Archduke Rudolph was going to be appointed Cardinal Archbishop of Olmütz. The plan was for the mass to be ready for performance at the enthronement celebrations in March 1820, but one year proved to be too little time. It wasnt until almost three years later, in January 1823, that Beethoven was able to complete the work. As might be expected, it was unparalleled in every respect although composed for use during church services, even Beethovens contemporaries found that it exceeded the bounds of the genre. Beethoven himself was quite aware of both the dimensions and the importance of the work: in a letter he described it as my greatest work. It is also a work which over its course encompasses great contrasts: from the solemnity of the Kyrieand the intense excitement at the opening of the Gloriato the disturbing intimations of war during the closing Dona nobispacem. Originally founded with the aim of performing the choral works of Bach, the Bach Collegium Japanand Masaaki Suzukiare now taking another great leap, after their recent release of Mozarts Great Mass in C minor. Described as refreshingly open-hearted, spontaneous and natural their interpretation received a 2017 Gramophone Award. Joined by an eminent quartet of vocal soloists, the team now applies its expertise in period performance to Beethovens masterpiece.