While composing Missa solemnis, “Beethoven looked as if he had been in mortal combat with the whole host of . . . his everlasting enemies,” wrote a friend of the composer’s. Beethoven was indeed possessed by this mystical choral work, written at the same time as his Ninth Symphony. Atop its manuscript he wrote, “From the heart—may it return to the heart.” Expect thunder and lightning from MTT, the SFS, the magnificent San Francisco Symphony Chorus, and guests in a spatially fascinating sound experience.
“[Sasha Cooke] has a thrilling, dramatic voice.” —THE PHOENIX
Conductor/Performers
conductor
soprano
mezzo-soprano
tenor
bass-baritone
San Francisco Symphony and Chorus
Program
All sound clips are from San Francisco Symphony performances and are used with permission of the SFS Players Committee.
Concert length is approximately 2 hours.
Podcasts
Beethoven's Missa solemnis