Beethoven: Der glorreiche Augenblick & Choral Fantasia

Beethoven’s unusual cantata Der glorreiche Augenblick (The Glorious Moment) is filled with patriotic praise for Vienna and tributes to the kings and princes of Europe after the defeat of Napoleon. It was performed alongside his symphonic Wellington’s Victory at its première in 1814. The Fantasia in C minor for piano, chorus and orchestra opens with a virtuosic, improvisatory Adagio for the piano. The work’s main theme anticipates the famous Ode to Joy setting Beethoven later devised for his Choral Symphony. Beethoven’s cantata Der glorreiche Augenblick is rarely performed and very seldom recorded, usually only appearing amidst vast sets of Beethoven’s complete works. This is in fact a remarkable and distinctive piece which deserves wider availability, and its appearance with the distinguished forces of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a very fine gathering of soloists will make it an easy and popular choice for seekers of fresh Beethoven material. The coupling with another occasional and relatively low-profile work, the Choral Fantasia, is entirely logical and eminently satisfying.