Record Review Podcast - Beethoven's Missa solemnis

Elin Manahan Thomas compares recordings of Beethoven's Missa solemnis and chooses her favourite.

Beethoven's setting of the Solemn Mass is one of the monuments of choral music. Written between 1819 and 1823, it is widely thought of as one of Beethoven's towering achievements. It was dedicated to Archduke Rudolf of Austria, one of Beethoven's most generous patrons as well as pupil and friend. The copy given to Rudolf was inscribed with the phrase: "From the heart – may it return to the heart!"

Published on Monday, 4th July 2022.

Available Podcasts from Record Review Podcast

Subscribe to Record Review Podcast

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the Record Review Podcast webpage.