Yuja Wang Plays Mendelssohn

Yuja Wang Plays Mendelssohn is a captivating live album that showcases the exceptional talent of pianist Yuja Wang, accompanied by the renowned Verbier Festival Orchestra and an all-star ensemble. Released on 22 April 2022 by Verbier Festival Gold, this album is a testament to the timeless beauty of Felix Mendelssohn's compositions.

The album features two stunning performances from 2009, including Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25, and the Piano Sextet in D Major, Op. 110. Under the baton of esteemed conductor Kurt Masur, the Verbier Festival Orchestra delivers a nuanced and expressive performance, perfectly complementing Yuja Wang's virtuosic piano playing.

Joining Yuja Wang on the Piano Sextet are a talented group of musicians, including Kirill Troussov on violin, David Aaron Carpenter and Maxim Rysanov on viola, Sol Gabetta on cello, and Leigh Mesh on double bass. Together, they bring Mendelssohn's exquisite music to life, filling the album with a sense of energy and passion.

With its concise duration of 46 minutes, Yuja Wang Plays Mendelssohn is an album that will leave you wanting more. The seven tracks are a masterclass in classical music, blending chamber music, classical piano, and orchestral elements in perfect harmony. Whether you're a long-time fan of Mendelssohn or simply appreciative of exceptional music, this album is sure to delight. So sit back, relax, and indulge in the sublime sounds of Yuja Wang and the Verbier Festival Orchestra as they bring Felix Mendelssohn's incredible compositions to life.

Felix Mendelssohn, born into a wealthy banking family in Hamburg in 1809, was a prodigious talent whose influence on the Romantic period is immeasurable. A child prodigy, Mendelssohn excelled not only in music but also in painting, poetry, athletics, and linguistics. His compositions, which include symphonies, concertos, and chamber music, are renowned for their optimism and life-enhancing qualities, earning him the title of one of the 'Sunshine Composers.'

Mendelssohn's repertoire is vast and varied, with standout works including the enchanting overture and incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the evocative "Italian" and "Scottish" Symphonies, and the beloved oratorios "St. Paul" and "Elijah." His "Songs Without Words" for solo piano are particularly celebrated, offering a glimpse into his deep emotional range. Beyond his compositions, Mendelssohn was also an accomplished artist, capturing scenes from his travels through England and Scotland in sketches.

Despite his untimely death at the age of 38 in 1847, Mendelssohn's legacy endures, celebrated for his contributions to classical music and his enduring influence on the Romantic era. His music continues to inspire and uplift, a testament to his enduring genius.