Beethoven (1770-1827) - Christus am Olberge, Elegischer Gesang : Leif Segerstam / Turku Philharmonic, Haapamaki, Myllys, Spangberg - Import CD

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Beethoven (1770-1827)

Description:

Beethoven composed the oratorio "Christ on the Mount of Olives" in 1803, which depicts Christ's prayer and suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. The process of its formation is not known, but it is believed to have been completed in a fairly short period of time. Although the work was a great success at its premiere, some critics criticized it as too long and lacking in expressiveness in the sung parts, and Beethoven himself was dissatisfied with the quality of the work and revised it before it was published. Nevertheless, the Christ figure in Beethoven's dramatic brushwork has a human expression reminiscent of Florestan in the opera "Fidelio," and the melody given is also attractive. The rarely performed "Lament" is dedicated to Baron Pasqualati, one of Beethoven's patrons. It is a modest but beautiful work composed in mourning for the untimely death of the Baron's wife. Naxos Japan

Beethoven Collection List