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Rating: 
Summary: Musical Perfection
Review: Beethoven is far and away my favorite composer but I've always had a tougher time with the Missa Solemnis than any of his other compositions. I have no musical training and had a hard time grasping the structure within each movement when listening to a CD, even after reviewing the liner notes. But knowing that Beethoven considered it his greatest composition made me pretty certain that the problem was me, not him.Listening to and watching this performance with the music analysis subtitles option finally turned on the light switch. The analysis is not obtrusive or distracting; it only points out the key elements of the composition as they occur (or slightly before) and it makes the structure of each movement readily apparent. This is a wonderful performance and the sound is excellent. The conductor, orchestra, chorus and soloists are all outstanding. 5 stars is too low for this, but it's all Amazon allows. If you even think you might be interested, don't hesitate.
Rating:
Summary: Beethoven - Missa Solemnis
Review: I agree with every word from Mr.Kevin Filipski (above). Stupendous music, a exemple of how a DVD must be produced (plenty of useful extras, excellent sound and image), a very competent orchestra/chorus, four outstanding soloists, and a great maestro, that really feels the music. How nice will be have, someday in the next years, Beethoven's symphonies with Herr Gielen conducting, on DVDs (his series on CD are great).
A gorgeous moment here is the "Agnus Dei": the trumpet/timpani fanfare at "Dona Nobis Pacem" is emotionally very deep, worthy of that genius: Ludwig van Beethoven. And there is the option of listen the music reading subtitles (lyrics or explanations about the music itself). This is one of the best DVDs I had buyed in my life.
Rating:
Summary: Musical Perfection
Review: I purchased this DVD based on the description and review above. This is a DVD I will treasure. The choir is excellent and so, too, are the soloists, conductor and orchestra. The sopranos in the choir reach the difficult high notes with commendable ease and the sound throughout is excellent, surpassing my expectations. The church setting is both appropriate and moving. If you like this magnificent work, don't hesitate to buy this DVD.
Rating:
Summary: A stunning Beethoven Missa Solemnis
Review: I purchased this DVD based on the description and review above. This is a DVD I will treasure. The choir is excellent and so, too, are the soloists, conductor and orchestra. The sopranos in the choir reach the difficult high notes with commendable ease and the sound throughout is excellent, surpassing my expectations. The church setting is both appropriate and moving. If you like this magnificent work, don't hesitate to buy this DVD.
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