Embark on an enchanting musical voyage with Kurt Masur and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig as they present "A Midsummer Musical Journey" - From Mozart & Mendelssohn to Ravel & Tchaikovsky. This exquisite collection, set to release on August 7, 2025, under Warner Classics, is a celebration of classical orchestral masterpieces that span centuries and styles.
The album is a testament to Kurt Masur's illustrious career and his profound connection with the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, offering a rich tapestry of compositions from some of the most revered names in classical music. With a duration of over three hours, this extensive collection features 109 tracks that showcase the orchestra's virtuosity and Masur's masterful conducting.
The journey begins with Mendelssohn's evocative "Reformation" Symphony and his enchanting "A Midsummer Night's Dream" selections, including the iconic "Wedding March." The album then weaves through Prokofiev's dynamic "Classical" Symphony and Beethoven's stirring "Egmont" overtures, offering a diverse exploration of classical symphonic works.
Mozart's delicate piano concertos and Brahms' intricate variations provide moments of introspection, while Tchaikovsky's beloved ballets, "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake," add a touch of whimsy and romance. Dvořák's lively "Slavonic Dances" and Rimsky-Korsakov's vibrant "Capriccio espagnol" bring a sense of folk inspiration and rhythmic energy to the collection.
This album is not just a compilation of classical pieces but a carefully curated journey through the evolution of orchestral music. Kurt Masur's interpretation and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig's performance bring a fresh perspective to these timeless works, making "A Midsummer Musical Journey" a captivating experience for both seasoned classical enthusiasts and new listeners alike.
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 107, MWV N15 "Reformation": III. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56, MWV N18 "Scottish": II. Vivace non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: ScherzoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: Fairies' MarchFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Friedhelm Eberle, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: IntermezzoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: Wedding MarchFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 "Classical": III. GavotteSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 "Classical": IV. FinaleSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Beethoven: Egmont, Op. 84: No. 2, Entr'acteLudwig van Beethoven, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Beethoven: Egmont, Op. 84: No. 5, Entr'acteLudwig van Beethoven, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Beethoven: Egmont, Op. 84: No. 6, Entr'acteLudwig van Beethoven, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Beethoven: Egmont, Op. 84: No. 9, SiegessymphonieLudwig van Beethoven, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kurt Masur, Helen Huang, New York Philharmonic
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: III. Allegro assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kurt Masur, Helen Huang, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Theme. AndanteJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation I. Poco più animatoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation II. Più vivaceJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation III. Con motoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation IV. Andante con motoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation V. VivaceJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation VI. VivaceJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation VII. GraziosoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation VIII. Presto non troppoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Finale. AndanteJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16 "Italian": II. Andante con motoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16 "Italian": III. Con modo moderatoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16 "Italian": IV. Saltarello. PrestoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 40, MWV O11: II. Adagio. Molto sostenutoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Cyprien Katsaris, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 11, MWV N13: II. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 107, MWV N15 "Reformation": II. Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 1: No. 9, Waltz of the SnowflakesPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 13, Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Prokofiev: Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64ter: I. The Montagues and CapuletsSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Prokofiev: Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64ter: II. The Young JulietSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Prokofiev: Suite No. 1 from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64bis: V. MasksSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 2, WaltzPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Hélène Grimaud, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kurt Masur, Helen Huang, New York Philharmonic
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: III. Allegro vivace assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kurt Masur, Helen Huang, New York Philharmonic
Dvořák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op. 72, B. 145: No. 2 in E MinorAntonín Dvořák, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Dvořák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op. 46, B. 83: No. 6 in D MajorAntonín Dvořák, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Dvořák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op. 46, B. 83: No. 8 in G MinorAntonín Dvořák, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Act 3: The Flight of the BumblebeeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Schubert: Symphony No. 3 in D Major, D. 200: III. Menuetto. Vivace - TrioFranz Schubert, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Schumann: Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: II. Romanze. Ziemlich langsamRobert Schumann, Kurt Masur, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: I. AlboradaNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: II. VariazioniNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: III. AlboradaNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: IV. Scena e canto gitanoNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: V. Fandango asturianoNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
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