Saturday, June 1, 2013 - 4pm

 

First United Methodist Church Pasadena

500 E. Colorado Blvd., (at Oakland Ave.), Pasadena, CA 91101  Ph. 626-796-0157

 

All Beethoven

 

Choral Fantasy -- for piano, orchestra, soloists and chorus,Junko Ueno Garrett, piano soloist

Mass in C -- for soloists, chorus and orchestra

 

The Mass in C came early in Beethoven’s career, and was dedicated to Haydn’s patron, Prince Esterhazy.  Beethoven is still finding his voice, but it is a beautiful setting of the Mass, and departs from the usual “Viennese” style of Mozart and Haydn  by casting each of the five sections of the Mass into large scale, continuous symphonic movements.  There are no arias -- the soloists alternate with the chorus in each movement.

 

In the Choral Fantasy we hear the seeds of the 9th symphony.  It is a curious but engaging work, part concerto, part symphony, and part choral work.