Beethoven: Missa solemnis, Op. 123

In the final years of his life, the German composer looked to religion for solace from his deafness. Despite being able to hear nothing, he produced remarkable music; he regarded the *Missa Solemnis*, one of his few religious pieces, as his most significant and greatest work. Under Mazaaki Suzuki, the sensational playing and singing of the Bach Collegium Japan and its remarkable solo roster stir up the symphonic drama and audaciousness of Beethoven’s score, particularly in the wild opening of the Gloria and the breathtaking emotional release of the Benedictus with its divine violin solo.