Born in Bonn in 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven led a turbulent life. His struggles with depression, unpredictable temperament, fevered infatuations, passionate political views and frustrating battles with hearing loss all found voice in his astonishing body 

of work. 

 

Bestriding four centuries in the breadth and scope of his output, Beethoven challenged the Classical norms of the 18th century, ignited 19th-century Romanticism, influenced composers in the 20th century – and still remains an inspiration today. 

 

As part of the global celebrations marking 250 years since the composer’s birth, Collegium Musicum of London and The Bar Choral Society, in association with The Keyboard Trust, are proud to present two works spanning Beethoven’s early and 

late periods.

 

The First Piano Concerto (1795), whilst bearing the hallmarks of both  Mozart and Haydn, contains strikingly original touches of colour and drama which give it a unique Beethovenian character. 

 

For this joyous, youthful work we welcome the award-winning Croatian pianist Ivan Krpan, winner of the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition in 2017.

 

The Missa Solemnis was written in 1823, when the composer had fully succumbed to the deafness which had plagued him since the end of the previous century. This monumental work saw Beethoven striving  to push the boundaries of choral convention by assimilating the musical styles of church and concert hall – combining the spirituality and devotion of the Mass with the expression and power of the symphony.

 

The result is a magnificent work: not only a celebration of religious belief but an affirmation of faith in humanity. 

 

Beethoven was a child of the French Revolution and believed wholeheartedly in the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity and individual human rights. In the Missa Solemnis, religious devotion is expressed through the noblility of a man who believed that there was something of God within him, and hopefully in us all. The music has radiance and spirituality as well as strength, intense lyricism and, above all, compassion.

 

For this concert, CML and the Bar Choral Society welcome the 2017 Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition winner, Ivan Krpan, as well as a glittering array of vocalists, conducted – with his customary assurance and originality – by Greg Morris.