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This is Beethoven's only oratorio, and while hardly a masterpiece, it contains some fine moments--and since it was written around the same time as the Third Symphony, it is interesting to hear what else the composer was up to. It depicts Christ in the Garden of Gesthemane and presents Him as a very human figure. Tenor Placido Domingo, in what seems like his millionth undertaking, sings the sometimes exclamatory, sometimes lyrical (never very high-lying) music expressively, albeit without the tonal luster of yore. Luba Organasova makes a lovely Angel, and Andreas Schmidt sings the very small role of Peter well, but without much personality. Kent Nagano leads soloists, chorus and orchestra with great energy and as if "Christ on the Mount of Olives" were, actually, a great dramatic work--and he's very convincing. True Beethovenians must own this, and the curious will be rewarded as well. --Robert Levine