Missa Solemnis DVD Dresden Frauenkirche

I rented the Missa Solemnis from Netflix because Rene Pape is singing bass and because I'm not familiar with the Missa Solemnis of Beethoven. I'm fascinated by what I learn while learning other stuff and this DVD is no exception. It was performed as a celebration of the rebuilding of the Church of Our Lady in Dresden, which was bombed to rubble by the Allies (that would be us) in 1945. During the glorious performance, the camera pans around to the breathtaking church. I have listened 4 or 5 times now and find the music sublime, very Beethoven. Rene Pape, who is a native of Dresden, is the bass soloist for the piece and contributes his beautifully honed voice. I must say, however, that everyone else is so good that he doesn't 'steal the show' which he does with regularity (I think) at the Metropolitan Opera. There is a point in the Benedictus where Herr Pape goes into a higher vocal range that surprised me and seemed to please him very much to sing. I'm having a hard time sending this DVD back to Netflix. Oh well, maybe tomorrow :~).

Clickie to see the DVD at Amazon

also

Clickie for Wikipedia on Frauenkirche, Dresden