Ludwig van Beethoven's "Christ on the Mount of Olives," released on November 13, 2020, under the LSO Live label, is a profound and captivating exploration of his only oratorio. Composed at the age of 33, this 45-minute masterpiece delves into the intense emotional turmoil of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, offering a unique blend of classical, choral, and orchestral brilliance. Conducted by Simon Rattle, this performance features a rich tapestry of recitatives, arias, and choral pieces that showcase Beethoven's unparalleled ability to convey deep human emotion through music. The album, presented in a hybrid SACD format, includes tracks such as the haunting "Meine Seele ist erschüttert" and the powerful "Chor der Engel," demonstrating Beethoven's mastery of both intimate and grand musical expressions. As part of the celebrations marking Beethoven's 250th birthday, this recording is a testament to his enduring legacy and his ability to create timeless works that resonate with audiences across generations.
2020 London Symphony Orchestra2020 London Symphony Orchestra
Tracks
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 1a. Introduzione. Grave - AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 1b. Recitativo. "Jehova, du mein Vater!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 1c. Aria. "Meine Seele ist erschüttert"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 2a. Recitativo. "Erzittre, Erde!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elsa Dreisig
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 2b. Aria. "Preist des Erlösers Güte"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elsa Dreisig
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 2c. Chor der Engel. "O Heil euch ihr Erlösten"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elsa Dreisig, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 3a. Recitativo. "Verkündet, Seraph, mir dein Mund"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, Elsa Dreisig
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 3b. Duetto. "So ruhe dann mit ganzer Schwere"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, Elsa Dreisig
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 4a. Recitativo. "Willkommen, Tod!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 4b. Chor der Krieger. "Wir haben ihn gesehen"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 5a. Recitativo. "Die mich zu fangen ausgezogen sind"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 5b. Chor der Krieger, Chor der Jünger. "Hier ist er, der Verbannte"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6a. Recitativo. "Nicht ungestraft soll der Verwegnen Schar"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, David Soar
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6b. Terzetto. "In meinen Adern wühlen unbändig Zorn und Wut"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, Elsa Dreisig, David Soar
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6c. Chor der Krieger, Chor der Jünger. "Auf, auf! Ergreifet den Verräter"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Pavol Breslik, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6d. Chor der Engel. "Welten singen Lob und Ehre"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus Am Ölberge), Op. 85: No. 6e. Chor der Engel. "Preiset ihn, ihr Engelschöre"Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus