Day 3
Beethoven - Meeres Still und Glückliche Fahrt op 112
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra
Chorus Cathedrals Aboensis
Leif Segerstram
This project won’t just be about little known composers. There are plenty of works by major composers that I have never heard. Today’s piece is a case in point. I knew the title of the piece because of the Mendelssohn overture of the same name (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage) and was aware that Beethoven had also used the same title but I am sure that I have never heard the Beethoven before.
It is a curious piece - a choral setting in two short contrasting movements - a generally quiet a slow first piece and then a vigorous conclusion. Beethoven was I think more or less on autopilot when he wrote the piece, which was performed at a benefit concert, though there doesn’t seem to be much more information about the background to the piece. But of course even if Beethoven was on autopilot there is still much of interest in the score. The stillness of the first part is impressive and in the second part we get some glimpses of the energy which we find in choral parts of the 9th symphony and the Missa Solemnis.
It is very much an occasional piece and it is difficult to see where it could fit into a concert programme. I’m glad to have heard it but it wouldn’t be something to return to very often. If I want a calm sea and prosperous voyage I would certainly prefer to travel with Mendelssohn.
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