In the years leading up to 1819, Beethoven composed almost nothing. Rumours began to circulate that his creative powers had been exhausted and that he was capable only of producing trifles. His personal circumstances were equally bleak. He was plagued by recurring illness, had become completely deaf, and communicated with those around him through conversation books. He was short of money. He became embroiled in a legal battle to obtain guardianship of his teenage nephew Karl. Every few months he moved to a different apartment. He had neglected himself, and his appearance was distressing. Yet, in defiance of all these circumstances, the years 1819–1824 brought forth a succession of late masterpieces, each paving the way for new music It was during this period that he composed two monumental works: the Ninth Symphony in D minor and the Missa solemnis – both extraordinary, transcending the boundaries of their genres while being at once universal and deeply personal.

In the latter of these two majestic works, the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Stefano Montanari, who is equally acclaimed as a conductor, violinist and pianist. He will be joined by outstanding soloists: soprano Anna Maria Labin, acclaimed both in the Classical repertoire and in the world premieres of contemporary operas; mezzo-soprano Teresa Iervolino, celebrated for her interpretations of Baroque and Romantic opera; tenor Daniel Behle, whose international career was launched by his appearance in Richard Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at the 2017 Bayreuther Festspiele; and bass Adolfo Corrado, winner of the 2023 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition. They will be joined by the Warsaw Philharmonic Choir under the direction of Bartosz Michałowski. With such an exceptional line-up, one of the greatest masterpieces of the classical repertoire promises an unforgettable musical experience.

Małgorzata Gąsiorowska, Jan Lech (eds.)