LvB: 9th or Missa Solemnis

[EigenUser]

I've been listening to a lot of Beethoven recently.

Missa Solemnis for me, though I like the 9th, too. In fact, if the MS consisted only of the Gloria I think it would still win.

[TheGSMoeller]

The 9th. I think having performed it helps with my decision.

[Lisztianwagner]

The 9th Symphony, no contest.

[ritter]

The 9th Symphony, no contest.

A Ninth fan here as well. I've almost given up on the Missa Solemnis(after more than 30 years acquaintance with the piece)...I say "almost", because I've read wonders of the work that so far have eluded me, but which I still hope to discover 

And good evening, Ilaria!

[Lisztianwagner]

And good evening, Ilaria!

Good evening, Rafael!

Although it's certainly a beautiful composition, I rarely listen to the Missa Solemins (I've got Karajan's recording), since I tend to prefer Beethoven's symphonic or piano works; Symphony No.9 is one of my favourite pieces of all time.

[Moonfish]

.
https://www.youtube.com/v/LVf5Cr4M-F8

[kishnevi]

The 9th. I think having performed it helps with my decision.

The Missa.  And having been in a performance may have influenced me as well.

[Sergeant Rock]

The Missa solemnis, especially when conducted by Szell and Klemperer.

Sarge

[Jo498]

I could not decide. I love both pieces and they are among the most moving and overwhelming I know (so I nowadays also listen rather infrequently). I have never heard the 9th in concert unfortunately. The Missa twice (but with a rather provincial setup and the last time in a non-ideal hall where it often was almost overwhelmingly loud, still very impressive). In the Missa there is just too much going on to really follow it in real time and it is quite hard for the performers to bring out the important stuff. Although I have listened to the Missa for more then 25 years, almost as long as to the 9th I feel that I have a much better grasp of the latter.

[TheGSMoeller]

The Missa.  And having been in a performance may have influenced me as well.

[Holden]

The 9th. No matter how hard I try i just can't  seem to get into the Missa.

[Ken B]

Banana.
I voted for MS. But diffidently. Neither is a favourite. I like 3 movements of 9. I'd substitute the Grosse Fugue for the last movement. 

[Wanderer]

Hands down, the Missa Solemnis. As much as I love the Ninth, I firmly believe the Missa is in a whole different league; a supreme, transcendent masterpiece.

[EigenUser]

Interesting results and opinions.

I wonder if I am the only one who has heard the MS before hearing the 9th...

[Jubal Slate]

The 9th Symphony, no contest.

[Ken B]

The Missa solemnis, especially when conducted by Szell and Klemperer.

Sarge

Tag-team does work best.

[amw]

Banana.
I voted for MS. But diffidently. Neither is a favourite. I like 3 movements of 9. I'd substitute the Grosse Fugue for the last movement. 

Originally the last movement was going to be based on the main theme of the Allegro appassionato from Op. 132. I've always wondered what that would have sounded like. (I have the Camerata Nordica orchestral arrangement of the late quartets, but it would've been in D minor, and probably a lot longer and less... chamber-musicy? Idk but it's interesting to imagine)

[EigenUser]

Only 16 votes, guys? I want to see every active GMG member vote. This isn't some special interest poll (i.e. Feldman, or even Ravel)!

[Jo498]

In another forum someone wrote years ago that a shortish instrumental movement along the lines of the finale of op.132 would have been one of the biggest disappointments in musical history. I simply cannot imagine how this would have been, only that it would have been quite different from the string quartet movement. Even twice as long (the op.132 finale lasts about 6-6:30) it would still be much less weighty than the first or slow movement of the symphony.

I think, while an instrumental finale *might* start somewhat similar to the string quartet movement, overall it could be more similar to the choral finale than one would expect. Just without the chorus. After an appassionato section there would be some triumphal resolution and the rest would maybe similarly bombastic like the actual movement or the "Consecration of the House" Ouverture.

[aligreto]

I gave my vote to Symphony No. 9.