Although not as well known as the Missa Solemnis or the choral finale of the Ninth Symphony, the two works in this volume nevertheless offer striking testimony to Beethoven's ability to compose rich, effective liturgical music for chorus.
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus am Oelberge), Op. 85, composed in 1803 then revised in 1804, is an oratorio for soprano, tenor and bass soloists, chorus, and orchestra. The Mass in C, Op. 86, composed in 1807, is scored for solo quartet, chorus, and orchestra. Both works were produced during the period of mighty creativity (1803–1807) that saw Beethoven compose such masterworks as the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Symphonies and the Fourth Piano Concerto.
Now students of liturgical music, musicians, and all music lovers can own these important scores in one convenient volume, reproduced from the authoritative Complete Works edition published by Breitkopt & Härtel, 1864–90.
