Ex Cathedra: Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis

Beethoven composed this large-scale setting of the Mass during a period of deep personal introspection, eventually regarding it as his most accomplished work. You will hear a ninety-minute structure that moves from a traditional Kyrie through to a complex, dramatic Agnus Dei. The music does not follow a simple liturgical path but instead presents a demanding, symphonic dialogue between the four soloists, a full choir, and the orchestra. One specific element to listen for is how the composer handles the vocal ranges; he frequently writes at the very top of the register for both the soloists and the choir, creating a sense of physical and spiritual effort. The orchestral writing is equally intricate, featuring a prominent solo violin in the Benedictus that offers a moment of relative calm amidst the otherwise dense and powerful textures of the full ensemble. The evening is shaped by this constant shift between private prayer and vast, public statements of belief.

Jeffrey Skidmore leads this performance, bringing together two of the leading musical forces in the West Midlands. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is known for its versatility and its residency at Symphony Hall, where it performs a wide breadth of symphonic literature. They are joined by the vocal ensemble Ex Cathedra, who specialise in choral works from the Renaissance to the contemporary era. The soloists for this evening include soprano Carolyn Sampson, mezzo-soprano Martha McLorinan, tenor Sebastian Hill, and bass James Rutherford, each of whom has a strong reputation in the field of oratorio and concert singing.

This performance takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and lasts approximately ninety minutes without an interval. Given the continuous nature of the work and its significant emotional weight, it is a substantial commitment for a first-time concertgoer, though the lack of an interval makes for a concise evening in terms of time. As an orchestral and choral concert rather than a staged opera, there are no surtitles or specific dress codes required. You should expect to be in your seats for the full duration as the music moves directly between the sections of the Mass.