IDAGIO | Beethoven: Der glorreiche Augenblick

Featuring

Hilary Davan Wetton
Claire Rutter
Matilde Wallevik
Peter Hoare
Stephen Gadd
Benjamin Hughes

Clio Gould
Leon McCawley
Marta Fontanals-Simmons
Julian Davies
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Westminster Abbey Choir
City of London Choir
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Compositional Technique

The main theme of the Choral Fantasia, Op. 80, is taken from an earlier Beethoven song, Gegenliebe, WoO 118, and shares similarities with the theme of his later Choral Symphony's 'Ode to Joy'.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded at Cadogan Hall in London, England, on February 5th and 6th, 2011.

Composition History

The Choral Fantasia, Op. 80, was written to conclude a concert on December 22, 1808, which also featured the premieres of Beethoven's Fifth and Sixth Symphonies and his Fourth Piano Concerto.

Composition History

Der glorreiche Augenblick (The Glorious Moment), a cantata on this album, was commissioned by the Vienna City Administration as a tribute to European royalty after Napoleon's defeat.

Composer Biography

The onset of deafness around 1800 gradually shifted Beethoven's career from a virtuoso performer to a composer, where he made significant innovations to existing musical practices.

Composer Biography

Beethoven's early career in Vienna was significantly aided by his connections through the Archbishop, who was a son of Empress Maria Theresa, allowing him access to leading society members.

Historical Context

Beethoven's concert on November 29, 1814, in Vienna, was attended by European leaders, including the Empress, the Tsarina of Russia, and the King of Prussia, who were meeting for the Congress of Vienna.