Stunningly beautiful
Thayne Currie | Cambridge, MA | 07/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beethoven's Missa Solemnis is, I think, his crowning achievement as a composer and eclipses in power and beauty every classical piece that I have listened to so far except for Mozart's Requiem.The Kyrie is a bit weak compared to the other sections yet Beethoven still does a good job conveying his ideas.The Gloria begins with an incredibly inspiring bang and ends in such a way as well. Here you definitely start to see how Beethoven's Mass is structurally much different than many of the other great Masses composed beforehand, being very symphonic in nature. Beethoven seems to really 'understand' what 'Gloria' means and does a superb job communicating this feeling.The Credo is the best movement of Missa Solemnis. This is how a Credo is 'supposed' to be played. It starts out sounding reasonably triumphant and having a bit of a march tempo. About two-thrids of the way through the piece the style changes drastically, becoming much faster and having a bit of an overture-like sound to it. It climaxes in an incredibly loud, rocking (yes, classicl music can be described as 'rocking') and inspiring outburst of high vocals which is, I think, is than anything I've ever heard anywhere including in Mozart's Requiem. The Sanctus and Agnus Dei provide a nice finish to the piece; the excruciatingly beautiful violin solo in the Sanctus is especially memorable.Overall, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis is a masterpiece and listening to it is an uplifting and spiritual experience. It's absolutely a must to have."
Great CD for an excellent price
11/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! Considering the multitude of recordings that exist of Beethoven's greatest mass, it's impressive that one at this price stands out as one of the best. Truly a bargain, Ormandy, the solo singers, and the Philadelphia Orchestra are incredible. An excellent bargain and a wonderful performance of one of Beethoven's most spritual and moving workings."