Immerse yourself in the profound and powerful composition of Ludwig van Beethoven with "Christ on the Mount of Olives." This captivating album, released on November 13, 2020, under the LSO Live label, offers a masterful blend of classical music that spans a concise yet impactful 45 minutes. The album is a testament to Beethoven's genius, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotional and spiritual themes through his music.
"Christ on the Mount of Olives" is an orchestral work that delves into the biblical narrative of Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. The composition is divided into six sections, each featuring a mix of recitatives, arias, duets, and choruses that bring the story to life with dramatic intensity and lyrical beauty. The piece is scored for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape that highlights Beethoven's mastery of both vocal and instrumental writing.
The album opens with a somber and reflective introduction, setting the stage for the emotional journey that follows. As the narrative unfolds, listeners are treated to a variety of musical styles and moods, from the tender and introspective to the powerful and triumphant. The choral sections, in particular, are a highlight, showcasing the full force of the ensemble and the depth of Beethoven's harmonic language.
Throughout the album, Beethoven's signature rhythmic drive and melodic inventiveness are on full display, making "Christ on the Mount of Olives" a compelling listen for both longtime fans of classical music and those new to the genre. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic intensity of the recitatives or the soaring beauty of the arias, this album offers something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the timeless genius of Ludwig van Beethoven in this powerful and moving work.
2020 London Symphony Orchestra2020 London Symphony Orchestra
Tracks
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 1a. Introduzione. Grave - AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 1b. Recitativo. "Jehova, du mein Vater!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 1c. Aria. "Meine Seele ist erschüttert"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 2a. Recitativo. "Erzittre, Erde!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elsa Dreisig
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 2b. Aria. "Preist des Erlösers Güte"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elsa Dreisig
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 2c. Chor der Engel. "O Heil euch ihr Erlösten"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elsa Dreisig, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 3a. Recitativo. "Verkündet, Seraph, mir dein Mund"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, Elsa Dreisig
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 3b. Duetto. "So ruhe dann mit ganzer Schwere"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, Elsa Dreisig
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 4a. Recitativo. "Willkommen, Tod!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 4b. Chor der Krieger. "Wir haben ihn gesehen"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 5a. Recitativo. "Die mich zu fangen ausgezogen sind"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 5b. Chor der Krieger, Chor der Jünger. "Hier ist er, der Verbannte"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6a. Recitativo. "Nicht ungestraft soll der Verwegnen Schar"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, David Soar
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6b. Terzetto. "In meinen Adern wühlen unbändig Zorn und Wut"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, Elsa Dreisig, David Soar
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6c. Chor der Krieger, Chor der Jünger. "Auf, auf! Ergreifet den Verräter"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6d. Chor der Engel. "Welten singen Lob und Ehre"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6e. Chor der Engel. "Preiset ihn, ihr Engelschöre"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus