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Hexham Abbey Festival Chorus and Orchestra – Beethoven 1807
Beethoven: Mass in C
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 (Appassionata)
Beethoven: Choral Fantasy
Martin Roscoe, piano soloist
Laurie Ashworth, soprano
Kate Symonds-Joy, mezzo-soprano
Robert Anthony Gardiner, tenor
Andrew Greenan, bass
Festival Chorus & Orchestra
David Murray, conductor
1807! With all Europe at war and his home city of Vienna occupied by Napoleon’s army, Beethoven was at the peak of his power. The music he was writing at this time was heroic, defiant and, despite all the reasons he might have had for feeling despondent, festive. Both the Mass in C and the Choral Fantasy were premiered in the same epic concert that included the premieres of his 5th and 6th Symphonies. The Mass in C has been singled out by experts for its directness and powerful emotion and ends with music described by Beethoven’s contemporary critic, E.T.A Hoffman, as:
“… dissolves, like a sorrow from another world, to unearthly delight.”
Distinguished pianist Martin Roscoe performs in the Choral Fantasy and as soloist in Appassionata.
£25 adults / £5 aged 21 and under (reserved)
Concert takes place in the Nave and lasts approx 120 minutes, including interval – remember to bring your cushion!
Sponsored by: Parmley Graham Ltd.
