Beethoven - Missa Solemnis / Gielen, Bryn-Julson, Lipovsek, Sudwestfunk Symphony Orchestra

Starring:Beethoven, Rydl, Bryn-Julson, Lipovsek
Studio: Geneon [Pioneer]
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
The extreme difficulties inherent in performing Beethoven's Missa Solemnis (which the very first performers complained about at an 1824 Vienna rehearsal) include Beethoven's imposing high notes for both the vocal soloists and members of the chorus. As he did in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony (the "Ode to Joy"), Beethoven was reaching for the Divine throughout his Solemn Mass, and there is no doubt that, in the right hands, true musical divinity is reached.

Amazon.com

The extreme difficulties inherent in performing Beethoven's Missa Solemnis (which the very first performers complained about at an 1824 Vienna rehearsal) include Beethoven's imposing high notes for both the vocal soloists and members of the chorus. As he did in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony (the "Ode to Joy"), Beethoven was reaching for the Divine throughout his Solemn Mass, and there is no doubt that, in the right hands, true musical divinity is reached.

Description

This moving performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Missa Solemnis in D Major, Op. 123 features Michael Gielen conducting the Südwestfunk Symphony Orchestra with Lubomir Matl directing the Prague Philharmonic Choir. Soloist highlights include Bass, Kurt Rydl; Soprano, Phyllis Bryn-Julson; Alto, Marjana Lipovsek; and Tenor Josef Protschka. Added Features Include: Music Analysis in subtitles, Translation of choral text, Glossary, Historical Timeline, Performer Profiles and Liner Notes 5.1 Dolby Digital and original Non-compressed Stereo.

Customer Reviews:

Sound without picture.......2005-09-06

As a CD this performance deserves five stars but the picture is very bad. I could not watch this DVD on my projection screen. I used A 20 inches TV for watching and even then, the picture was not clear. This is by far the worst picture I have seen on DVD

Musical Perfection.......2003-12-30

Beethoven is far and away my favorite composer but I've always had a tougher time with the Missa Solemnis than any of his other compositions. I have no musical training and had a hard time grasping the structure within each movement when listening to a CD, even after reviewing the liner notes. But knowing that Beethoven considered it his greatest composition made me pretty certain that the problem was me, not him.

Listening to and watching this performance with the music analysis subtitles option finally turned on the light switch. The analysis is not obtrusive or distracting; it only points out the key elements of the composition as they occur (or slightly before) and it makes the structure of each movement readily apparent.

This is a wonderful performance and the sound is excellent. The conductor, orchestra, chorus and soloists are all outstanding.

5 stars is too low for this, but it's all Amazon allows. If you even think you might be interested, don't hesitate.

A stunning Beethoven Missa Solemnis.......2002-09-22

I purchased this DVD based on the description and review above. This is a DVD I will treasure. The choir is excellent and so, too, are the soloists, conductor and orchestra. The sopranos in the choir reach the difficult high notes with commendable ease and the sound throughout is excellent, surpassing my expectations. The church setting is both appropriate and moving. If you like this magnificent work, don't hesitate to buy this DVD.

Beethoven - Missa Solemnis.......2001-12-21

I agree with every word from Mr.Kevin Filipski (above). Stupendous music, a exemple of how a DVD must be produced (plenty of useful extras, excellent sound and image), a very competent orchestra/chorus, four outstanding soloists, and a great maestro, that really feels the music. How nice will be have, someday in the next years, Beethoven's symphonies with Herr Gielen conducting, on DVDs (his series on CD are great).
A gorgeous moment here is the "Agnus Dei": the trumpet/timpani fanfare at "Dona Nobis Pacem" is emotionally very deep, worthy of that genius: Ludwig van Beethoven. And there is the option of listen the music reading subtitles (lyrics or explanations about the music itself). This is one of the best DVDs I had buyed in my life.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Great Performances (Frances / Plenty / Tender Mercies)

Fame Academy

Gravesend [1997] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: The Guns of Navarone (Special Edition)

Scorpions - Acoustica