All Saints Cathedral (16 Jun); Basilique, Heliopolis (17 Jun), Cairo
With
Nayer Nagui (conductor); Mona Rafla (soprano), Jolie Faizy (mezzo-soprano), Amr Medhat (tenor), Reda El Wakil (bass)
About this concert
Beethoven wrote his Mass in C major, Op. 86, in 1807 for Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, the patron of Haydn’s late masses; the prince did not like it, but it has since become a favourite of choirs for its warmth and directness. This was its first performance in Egypt, paired with another Egyptian premiere, the overture Zur Namensfeier, Op. 115.
Programme
Work
Beethoven, Mass in C major Op. 86
Work
Beethoven, Zur Namensfeier Op. 115
Soloists and artists
Mona Rafla, soprano; Jolie Faizy, mezzo-soprano; Amr Medhat, tenor; Reda El Wakil, bass
About the music
Ludwig van Beethoven, Mass in C major, Op. 86
Commissioned in 1807 by Prince Nikolaus Esterházy II, continuing the tradition of masses Haydn had written for the family.
First performed on 13 September 1807 in Eisenstadt. The prince reportedly asked: “But, my dear Beethoven, what is it that you have done again?”
Published in 1812 with a new dedication, to Prince Kinsky.
Long overshadowed by the later Missa solemnis, it is admired for its directness and warmth.
