DCCCXVII. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van (1770-1827)
Der glorreiche Augenblick, Op. 136 (1814)
1. Chor: Europa steht! (3:49)
2. Rezitativ: O seht sie nah und näher treten! / Chor: Vienna, Vienna, Vienna! (3:32)
3. Rezitativ: O Himmel, welch' Entzücken! / Aria mit Chor: Alle die Herrscher darf ich grüssen (9:20)
4. Rezitativ: Das Auge schaut / Kavatine mit Chor: Dem die erste Zähre (7:10)
5. Rezitativ: Der den Bund im Sturme festgehalten / Quartett: In meinen Mauern bauen sich neue Zeiten auf (6:21)
6. Chor: Es treten vor die Scharen der Frauen (3:59)
Luba Orgonasova, soprano
Iris Vermillion, mezzo soprano
Timothy Robinson, tenor
Franz Hawlata, bass
Coro di voci bianche dell'Arcum
Coro e Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Myung-whun Chung, cond.
The Congress of Vienna (1814-15) convened when Napoleon was defeated. Led by Metternich, the European powers chopped up the continent as they saw fit.
Surely, Beethoven was happy to see the man he had once admired so much, get his comeuppance. Nevertheless, this cantata is no masterpiece, and bears the mark of a composer writing for his contemporary audience -- as opposed for posterity.
It was not a commission, but Beethoven -- contrary to his previous behavior -- really kissed up to Metternich & Co. It was a success with the public -- witness the tremendous ovation from the first audience after Vienna (the soprano) sang Was nur die Erde hoch and hehres hat, in meinen Mauern hat es sich versammelt (All that is lofty and sublime on earth is assembled here within my walls) [No. 3]
1. Chor: Europa steht!
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