The cathedral-like acoustics (at least as they sound on this recording) of the Bonn Beethovenhalle, and Marc Soustrot’s self-effacing, reverential conducting make this Missa solemnis sound closer in style to Bach’s oratorios than to what we might expect from a similarly large-scale Beethovenian creation. Yes, Beethoven did embark on a study of Bach in preparation for this work, which is readily apparent in the Missa solemnis’ overall structure and concept. But the score also contains Beethoven’s irrepressible dynamism and sense of drama, qualities Soustrot downplays in favor of the more devotional ones. This works pretty well in the Kyrie and Sanctus, where Soustrot luxuriates in the beauties of Beethoven’s harmony, orchestration, and vocal part-writing. But the Credo and (especially) the Gloria lack essential thrust and momentum, without which this music can sound overwritten and tedious. In both of his recordings Leonard Bernstein brings real dramatic flair to the Credo and generates tremendous energy in the Gloria (though not quite the storm and fury generated by George Szell on his live Cleveland Orchestra recording).
However, Soustrot’s performance does offer first-class singing, with excellent contributions from the Czech Philharmonic Chorus and from soloists Martinpelto, Zaremba, Lippert, and Johansen, who bring much conviction and radiant vocalism to the Sanctus and Agnus Dei. Indeed, this last movement, where Soustrot points up Beethoven’s ingenious alchemy of piety and power, is his most convincing. MDG’s wide-ranging recording imparts a massive sound to the chorus in this setting, while the contributions of the Beethovenhalle Orchestra are mostly relegated to the background (though you can hear the organ quite clearly).
The second CD features an odd assortment of bonus tracks, apparently as teasers for other MDG recordings by the Beethovenhalle ensemble. Included are selections by Krenek, Penderecki, and Ravel, as well as an extended excerpt from Beethoven’s opera Leonore. It certainly doesn’t add anything to the package’s attractions.
