Beethoven: Missa Solemnis / Mei, Lipovsek, Rolfe Johnson,  Holl; Harnoncourt
Beethoven conceived this piece for a liturgical ceremony--the elevation of his friend and patron Archduke Rudolf to high ecclesiastical office--but in the end delivered the music several years late. During that time, the piece had grown beyond the limitations of an actual service and become something else entirely. Like Bach's B-minor Mass, Beethoven'sMissa Solemnisis one of the most gigantic settings of the text in existence, and one of the most difficult choral works ever for the singers. Nikolaus Harnoncourt's performance seems to thrive on the challenge. He directs an exciting and very human interpretation that's sung with impressive fervor and played to the hilt. This is the real McCoy.--David Hurwitz