We celebrate two great anniversaries this year with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and his »Missa solemnis«: Both works were premiered 200 years ago – a programme highlight at this Beethovenfest.
The melody from the final movement of the Ninth became world-famous as the European anthem. Also, the »Solemn Mass«, as the Missa is translated, is an exceptional work by Beethoven. It intensifies the religious tone of the church ritual with great artistic freedom into a choral symphony. Seldom is »Togetherness« so effectively invoked as in these major Beethoven works. This remarkable music comes onto the stage at the festival with outstanding artists, orchestras and choirs. Yet not only in traditional form, but also using contemporary approaches – because Beethoven’s music consistently stimulates new creativity.
