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Beethoven completes the Missa Solemnis and the Diabelli Variations – two of the great large-scale masterpieces of his new spiritual-poetic style. However, plans for more large-scale works – a tenth Symphony and a second Opera – flounder as the composer becomes increasingly aware of his own mortality.

This week, Donald Macleod explores Ludwig van Beethoven’s life and work between 1822 and 1824 – a period during which the composer completed his greatest late masterpieces. It was also a time in which Beethoven became acutely aware of his own mortality, struggling with both his dwindling finances and his deteriorating health, and sought help from, among others, his brother Johann and a new secretary - Anton Schindler.

Composer of the Week is returning to the story of Beethoven’s life and music throughout 2020. Part of Radio 3’s Beethoven Unleashed season marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.

Gratulations Menuett, WoO 3
Philharmonia Hungarica
Hans-Ludwig Hirsch (conductor)

Missa Solemnis, Op.123 – Credo: Et ressurexit
Laura Aikin (soprano)
Bernarda Fink (alto)
Johannes Chum (tenor)
Ruben Drole (bass)
Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Concentus Musicus Wien
Nikolaus Harnoncourt (conductor)

Opferlied, Op.121b
Adrianne Pieczonka (soprano)
OSM Chorus & Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
Kent Nagano (conductor)

Diabelli Variations, Op.120 – variations 30, 32 & 33
Andreas Staier (fortepiano)

Symphony no. 9, Op.125 - I. Allegro ma non troppo
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
Herbert Blomstedt (conductor)

Producer: Sam Phillips