The Missa solemnis in D major, Op. 123, is a solemn mass composed by Ludwig van Beethoven from 1819 to 1823. It was first performed on 7 April 1824 in St. Petersburg, Russia, under the auspices of Beethoven's patron Prince Nikolai Galitzin; an incomplete performance was given in Vienna on 7 May 1824, when the Kyrie, Credo, and Agnus Dei were conducted by the composer. It is generally considered one of the composer's supreme achievements and, along with Bach's Mass in B minor, one of the most significant Mass settings of the common practice period.[citation needed]
Despite critical recognition as one of Beethoven's great works from the height of his composing career, Missa solemnis has not achieved the same level of popular attention that many of his symphonies and sonatas have enjoyed. Written around the same time as his Ninth Symphony, it is Beethoven's second setting of the Mass, after his Mass in C major, Op. 86.
The mass is scored for 2 flutes; 2 oboes, 2 clarinets (in A, C, and B♭); 2 bassoons; contrabassoon; 4 horns (in D, E♭, B♭ basso, E, and G); 2 trumpets (D, B♭, and C); alto, tenor, and bass trombone; timpani; organ continuo; strings (violins I and II, violas, cellos, and basses); soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists; and mixed choir.
Performances & Interviews
- Beethoven: Missa Solemnishttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/240x135/p01td27p.jpghttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/240x135/p01td27p.jpg2014-05-08T14:05:00.000ZCharles Hazlewood explores Beethoven's Missa Solemnis in D.https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/audiovideo/popular/p01yqdq4
Beethoven: Missa Solemnis
Charles Hazlewood explores Beethoven's Missa Solemnis in D. - Beethoven: Missa solemnishttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/240x135/p01sxkhy.jpghttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/240x135/p01sxkhy.jpg2014-02-26T14:10:00.000ZJohn Deathridge provides a personal recommendation from recordings of Beethoven's Missa solemnis in D major, Op. 123.https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/audiovideo/popular/p01sxkk9
Beethoven: Missa solemnis
John Deathridge provides a personal recommendation from recordings of Beethoven's Missa solemnis in D major, Op. 123. - Beethoven: Missa Solemnishttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/240x135/p01tnk4j.jpghttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/240x135/p01tnk4j.jpg2014-07-11T14:33:00.000ZIn this Proms Music Guide, Stephen Johnson talks about Beethoven's Missa Solemnis.https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/audiovideo/popular/p022njsv
Beethoven: Missa Solemnis
In this Proms Music Guide, Stephen Johnson talks about Beethoven's Missa Solemnis. - Chord of the Week - Beethoven's Missa Solemnishttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/240x135/p02649cv.jpghttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/240x135/p02649cv.jpg2014-09-06T19:00:00.000ZDavid Owen Norris on the opening chord of the Creed in Beethoven's Missa Solemnis.https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/audiovideo/popular/p02649dk
Chord of the Week - Beethoven's Missa Solemnis
David Owen Norris on the opening chord of the Creed in Beethoven's Missa Solemnis.