Beethoven: Missa Solemnis, Southbank Sinfonia and the Bach Choir, Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Festival opened with Beethoven's rarely performed Missa Solemnis, the work which the composer considered his "biggest and most perfect achievement".
At the top of his manuscript Beethoven had written "From the heart - let it go to the heart" and this fantastic performance certainly fulfilled his criteria.
In this dramatically sacred piece, which is technically challenging and vocally demanding, both the Southbank Sinfonia and the Bach Choir excelled.
From delicate pianissimo tendrils of melody to rich and powerful fortissimo harmonies, ascending and spiralling cascades of sound swirled around the ancient cathedral.
The woody male mid-range and bass timbres fused with almost impossibly high female vocal lines to produce dynamic and thrilling crescendos.
This opening concert was profoundly uplifting - soaring voices, marvellous instrumental colours, and the genius of Beethoven and his multi-layered masterpiece.
Winchester Festival runs until July 18.
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