Today, Beethoven’s cantatas assuredly number among his lesser known compositions, but in their day were not insignificant for the composer as typical incidental works for social and political occasions. Though written in 1790 while Beethoven was still in Bonn, the two Kaiser cantatas, WoO 87 and 88, nevertheless remained unperformed during the composer’s lifetime – not until a century later did Beethoven scholars rediscover them and marvel at their depth of feeling. In contrast, the cantata “The Glorious Moment”, written for a state ceremony upon the conclusion of the war in 1814, enjoyed a premiere in Vienna that was enthusiastically received by the public – and with its hymn “I Am Europe, No More a City” by all means achieves political topicality again today.

This practical study edition offers the musical text of the Beethoven Complete Edition, supplemented by an excellent preface from Beethoven scholar Ernst Herttrich – perhaps an opportunity to discover unknown Beethoven as well!