Dvořák, Haydn, Mendelssohn & Schumann: Works for Chamber Music

Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces with the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln, conducted by the esteemed Rafael Kubelík. This album, released on January 1, 2016, under the Orfeo label, is a celebration of works by four titans of classical music: Antonín Dvořák, Joseph Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn, and Robert Schumann. Spanning a generous 3 hours and 42 minutes, this collection offers a comprehensive journey through some of the most significant compositions for chamber music and orchestra.

The album opens with Dvořák's poignant Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129, showcasing the orchestra's depth and sensitivity. Haydn's Symphony No. 101 in D Major, affectionately known as the "Clock" symphony, follows, highlighting the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln's precision and elegance. Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, and his evocative overture "The Hebrides" (Op. 26), also known as "Fingal's Cave," are performed with a sense of drama and nuance that brings these works to life.

Schumann's Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 97, titled "Rhenish," is another standout, with its grand, sweeping movements that the orchestra navigates with both power and grace. The album concludes with Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5 in D Major, Op. 107, known as the "Reformation" symphony, a work that resonates with historical significance and musical brilliance.

This album is a testament to the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln's versatility and mastery, offering a rich and varied listening experience that spans the genres of orchestra, classical, and avant-garde. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection promises to captivate and inspire.