Beethoven referred to the “Missa Solemnis” as “the greatest music I have ever written.” He composed this major orchestral and choral work from 1819 to 1823. The Missa Solemnis Alliance, comprised of musicians from organizations across the Texas Panhandle including Chamber Music Amarillo, the Amarillo Symphony, Amarillo Master Chorale, West Texas A&M University, Wayland Baptist University, Amarillo College and First Baptist Church of Amarillo, was formed to celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday.
The “Missa Solemnis” was first performed in 1824 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. To perform the “Missa Solemnis,” a total of 173 musicians are needed, including one conductor, four soloists, 63 orchestra musicians and 105 choral musicians who are equipped to handle the complexities of the piece, such as sudden melodic changes and fast and slow singing. Because of this, the “Missa Solemnis” is usually only performed in large metroplexes today. However, the Missa Solemnis Alliance was able to perform this complex work in Amarillo, at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts on August 27, 2022. This performance was recorded and will air on Panhandle PBS, preceded by “From the Heart: Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis in the Texas Panhandle.”
Beginning with one man’s dream, and culminating with the largest number of performers assembled on the stage of the Globe-News Center, “From the Heart: Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis in the Texas Panhandle” captures the lead-up to the performance. The program goes behind the scenes as an alliance of arts organizations join voices for this monumental undertaking – five years in the making.
"From the Heart: Beethoven's Missa Solemnis in the Texas Panhandle" will air on Saturday, December 31 at 8:30, followed by "Beethoven's Missa Solemnis in the Texas Panhandle" at 9:00.
