University of Virginia Library

Beethoven Spectacular At Mosque

By FRANK WILLIAMS

As Christmas break
approaches and thoughts turn
to upcoming events, do not
overlook the performance of
Beethoven's Missa Solemnis to
be held at the Mosque in
Richmond on this Sunday at
four p.m.

The music should be treated
well as it will require the
combined effort of the newly
organized Richmond
Symphony, under its new
director Jacques Hoffman, the
Richmond Choral Society, and
nationally known soloists.

Solemn Mass is one of the
most beautiful things
Beethoven ever wrote. There
are some quiet, mysterious,
almost ethereal passages, such
as the beginning of the Agnus
Dei in B Minor, and there are
some of the most moving
dramatic climaxes to be found
in all of choral music.

The end of the Gloria in G
Major, for example, is a
glorious and most exciting
combination of stressed voices,
fugue, wild modulation,
majestic slowed tempo, and
finally tempo presto.

The use of fugue at places
throughout the mass gives the
music a form which is easily
understood, easily appreciated.
Obstreperous tympani add a
characteristically romantic
flavor.

The fact that Beethoven did
not attend church regularly
does not deny his faith in God
and man. Missa Solemnis
should be evidence of this faith
that pours out in the rolling
resolution of such fugues as
those on "heaven and earth are
full of thy glory" and "give us
peace."

Reduced-rate student
tickets will be available at the
Mosque, which is at Laurel and
Main Sts. in Richmond. For
something like one dollar, one
can sit in the peanut gallery
with the stoned munchies and
watch this spectacle unfold.