Beethoven Missa Solemnis - Crouch End Festival Chorus

It was in the latter part of his life, when his deafness was profound, that Beethoven composed his monumental Missa Solemnis. The choral writing, with extremes of dynamics and speed, is amongst the most virtuosic in the entire choral repertoire, and it is only choirs of great power, flexibility and musicianship that can deliver it. With this Mass he achieved a new musical, dramatic and liturgical synthesis - an apotheosis comparable to that of his Ninth Symphony. It is an enigmatic work, with an underlying programmatic structure that suggests 'hovering guardian angels' alongside contemporary invasions and battles - and it is for the performers to reveal this imagery and architecture. With Crouch End Festival Chorus, The Hanover Band, four world-class soloists and David Temple, the stage is set for a brilliant illumination of this iconic work.