Missa Solemnis, Opus 123,

Ludwig van Beethoven’s choral masterpiece

June 2, 2019 as part of the 12th Georgetown Festival of the Arts.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a prolific German composer well known for his many symphonies, piano sonatas, concertos, and choral pieces. He was a virtuoso pianist in his day and apparently a mercurial personality; progressive deafness starting in his twenties eventually forced him to give up performing, but he continued to compose for the rest of his life.

His works have often been described as forming a bridge between Classical and Romantic periods. Beethoven’s works are known for their dramatic use of dynamics, tempo and harmony.

Missa Solemnis was written from 1819-1823, at the height of his mature power as a composer, and is generally considered one of his major achievements.