Cantata: "Kantate auf die Erhebung Leopold II zur Kaiserwürde" (1790)

Biamonti 18, WoO 88
Six months after the death of Joseph II, Beethoven was asked to compose this work on the Accession of Leopold II. The result is a rather amazing and, it seems, important work, particularly in the context of, of all things, the great Ninth Symphony. The keen listener will note several similarities: the "Sturzt neider Millionen" of the final choral exhortation, set in unision; the long held high notes in the Soprano, some imitation, but he doesn't know fugue yet, the quick string lines, all of which speak to a particular voice that is related to the voice of the composer of the Ninth.
The opening movement, is particularly interesting with its odd tempo changes leading up to the operatic moment in which the clouds part to reveal Leopold - this is something to behold: it begins like Handel’s great Zadok the Priest and then becomes something altogether different. The crazy soprano aria that reaches an almost comical level of virtuosity and with its equally comically virtuosic flute and cello parts - perhaps in reference to the Prussian rulers Frederick the Great (who played the flute) and Frederick Wilhelm (who played the cello) - Leopold and Joseph were said to be harpsichord players. All things considered, worth a listen. But again seek out Matthew Best's recording.
Recommended.