Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Beethoven Unleashed: Missa solemnis

Live from the Barbican, Donald Runnicles conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, with soloists Elizabeth Llewellyn, Christine Rice, Thomas Atkins and Brindley Sherratt.

Of all his own works, Beethoven admired one more than any other: his grand solemn mass - the Missa solemnis. When the composer started to write the piece in 1819, he sensed a new energy flowing through him. Four years later, on specially enlarged sheets of paper, he had succeeded in setting down his musical vision of the divine using every means of sonic imagery available to him. Brought to life, Beethoven’s score represents one of his most intense and uplifting live concert experiences.

Donald Runnicles steers stunning soloists and the BBC Symphony Chorus in a cornerstone of BBC Radio 3's 2020 Beethoven Unleashed celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the composer's birth.

Presented by Martin Handley

Beethoven: Missa Solemnis in D Op.123

Elizabeth Llewellyn (soprano)
Christine Rice (mezzo-soprano)
Thomas Atkins (tenor)
Roderick Williams (bass)
BBC Symphony Chorus
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Donald Runnicles (conductor)

2 hours, 28 minutes

Last on

Wed 4 Mar 2020 19:30
BBC Radio 3

More episodes

Previous

Piano Experiments

Next

Lauren Zhang's Rachmaninov

See all episodes from Radio 3 in Concert

Recipes

See all recipes from Beethoven Unleashed: Missa solemnis

Music Played

  • Kaija Saariaho

    Chimera

    Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sakari Oramo.

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Missa Solemnis in D Op.123

    Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra. Choir: BBC Symphony Chorus.

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Diabelli Variations, Op 120

    Performer: Grigory Sokolov.
    • NAIVE.

Broadcast

  • Wed 4 Mar 2020 19:30
    BBC Radio 3