The premiere of Ludwig van Beethoven’s "Missa Solemnis" in Spain (Barcelona, 1906)

Abstrakt

After 82 years of being unknown in Spain, Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis” was premiered in Barcelona by the orchestra and choir of the Barcelona Musical Association under the direction of Joan Lamote de Grignon (1872–1949). This historic event took place at the Teatro Principal with the participation of 150 performers. However, due to difficulties in preparing the work, the mass had to be performed over three concerts between March 5 and 29, 1906. Critics of that time took the opportunity to delve into the religious significance of Beethoven’s work and to analyze the mass from a formal and stylistic point of view. They also mentioned its complexity for the listener, who was not accustomed to the symphonic-vocal grandeur of the German composer. Both the specialized critics and the public were enthusiastic about the first performance, which has since become part of the repertoire of Spanish orchestras and choirs throughout the 20th century.