Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of Felix Mendelssohn with the release of "Mendelssohn in Birmingham, Vol. 3." This captivating album, released on February 1, 2015, under the Chandos label, offers a profound exploration of Mendelssohn's compositions, blending chamber music, classical, and choral genres into a harmonious 72-minute experience.
The album features a diverse array of Mendelssohn's works, including the serene "Meeresstill und glückliche Fahrt" (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage) and the grand "Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, 'Hymn of Praise'." This latter piece is a choral masterpiece that showcases Mendelssohn's ability to weave together orchestral and vocal elements into a cohesive and uplifting musical narrative.
Conducted by Edward Gardner and performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, this album captures the essence of Mendelssohn's visit to England in 1840. The orchestra's nuanced interpretation brings to life the intricate details and emotional depth of Mendelssohn's compositions, making this volume a standout in the "Mendelssohn in Birmingham" series.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Mendelssohn's work, this album offers a compelling journey through the composer's diverse musical landscape. From the tranquil adagios to the exuberant allegros, each track is a testament to Mendelssohn's enduring legacy and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music.
2015 Chandos Records2015 Chandos Records
Tracks
Meeresstill und glückliche Fahrt (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), Op. 27: I. Meersstille. Adagio (Revised 1834)Felix Mendelssohn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Edward Gardner
Meeresstill und glückliche Fahrt (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), Op. 27: II. Glückliche Fahrt. Molto allegro e vivace (Revised 1834)Felix Mendelssohn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Edward Gardner
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": I. SinfoniaFelix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": I. Allegretto un poco agitatoFelix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": I. Adagio religiosoFelix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": II. All men, all things, all that has life and breath (Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": II. Praise thou the Lord, O my spirit (Soprano, Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sophie Bevan, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": III. Sing ye praise, all ye redeemed of the Lord (Tenor)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Hulett
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": III. He counteth all your sorrows in the time of need (Tenor)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Hulett
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": IV. All ye that cried unto the Lord in distress and deep affliFelix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Hulett
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": V. I waited for the Lord, He inclined unto me (Soprano I, SoprFelix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sophie Bevan, Mary Bevan, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": VI. The sorrows of death had closed all around me (Tenor)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Hulett
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": VI. We called thro' the darkness - The night is departing! (TeFelix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Hulett, Sophie Bevan
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": VII. The night is departing (Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": VIII. Let all men praise the Lord (Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": VIII. Glory and praise to God (Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": IX. My song shall be alway Thy mercy (Soprano, Tenor)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Hulett, Sophie Bevan
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": X. Ye Nations, offer to the Lord glory and might! (Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A 18, "Hymn of Praise": O give thanks to the Lord (Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Gardner, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus