St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
A prayer coming out of absolute of stillness
The ‘Missa solemnis’ is considered to be one of Beethoven’s most profound creations. Composed only a few years before his death, approximately around the time of the 9th symphony, Beethoven himself considered the “Missa solemnis” as his greatest work. Rarely performed because of it’s immense size – chorus, soloists, organ and large orchestra, it is of sheer breath-taking transcendental quality.
It embodies the spirituality of the man who perceived this music in deep meditation and stillness of his inner being. Beethoven was already completely deaf when he wrote the Missa solemnis.
Listen to the Sanctus, the most transcendentally beautiful part. A solo violin enters in its highest range, representing the Holy Spirit descending to earth.
‘Benedictus, qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis ‘
Beethoven with the "Missa Solemnis"
The Living Room 