Beethoven: Missa solemnis

«This admirable art would certainly be out of place in church», said Vincent d’Indy of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Missa solemnis.. He was referring to the extraordinary dimensions of the score. The Philharmonie has responded accordingly, placing this monumental work in the capable hands of Thomas Hengelbrock at the head of his Balthasar-Neumann-Chor. Did the composer not write at the beginning of the Kyrie: «From the heart – may it return again – to the heart.»?. Let us hope so…