Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy with this captivating album, released on January 1, 2018, by Praga Digitals. This collection showcases two of Mendelssohn's most celebrated works: the incidental music for Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (Op. 61) and the cantata "Die erste Walpurgisnacht" (Op. 60).
The album opens with the iconic "Overture" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," composed when Mendelssohn was just 17 years old. This piece, with its whimsical melodies and enchanting harmonies, sets the stage for the rest of the incidental music, which includes the famous "Wedding March" and the playful "Clown's Dance." Mendelssohn's music beautifully captures the magical and mischievous atmosphere of Shakespeare's play, making it a delightful experience for both new and seasoned listeners.
The second half of the album features "Die erste Walpurgisnacht," a cantata based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This lesser-known work is a testament to Mendelssohn's versatility and skill as a composer. The cantata tells the story of a group of persecuted pagans who celebrate the arrival of spring and their freedom from religious oppression. The music is powerful and dramatic, with stirring choruses and moving arias that highlight Mendelssohn's ability to convey deep emotion and narrative through his compositions.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Mendelssohn's genius. Whether you're a fan of classical music, a Shakespeare enthusiast, or simply looking to discover new music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy transport you to a world of magic, mystery, and musical brilliance.
Tracks
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: I. OvertureFelix Mendelssohn, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Rafael Kubelík
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: II. Scherzo - Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Rafael Kubelík
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: III. Fairies' March - Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Rafael Kubelík
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: IV. Song with Chorus - Allegro non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Edith Mathis, Ursula Boese, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Rafael Kubelík
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: V. Intermezzo - Allegro appassionatoFelix Mendelssohn, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Rafael Kubelík
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: VI. Notturno - Con moto tranquilloFelix Mendelssohn, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Rafael Kubelík
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: VII. Wedding March - Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Rafael Kubelík
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: VIII. Funeral March - Andante comodoFelix Mendelssohn, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Rafael Kubelík
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: IX. Clown's dance - Allegro di moltoFelix Mendelssohn, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Rafael Kubelík
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: X. Finale - Allegro di moltoFelix Mendelssohn, Edith Mathis, Ursula Boese, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Rafael Kubelík
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: I. Ouverture I: Das schlechte Wetter - Allegro con fuocoFelix Mendelssohn, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: II. Ouverture II: Der Übergang zum Früling - Allegro vivace non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: III. Es lacht der Mai - Allegro vivace non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Eberhard Büchner, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: IV. Könnt ihr so verwegen handeln - Allegretto non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Annelies Burmeister, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: V. Wer Opfer heut' zu bringen scheut - Andante maestosoFelix Mendelssohn, Siegfried Lorenz, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: VI. Verteilt euch, Wackre Männer, hier - Allegro leggieroFelix Mendelssohn, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: VII. Diese dumpfen Pfaffenchristen - RezitativFelix Mendelssohn, Siegfried Vogel, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: VIII. Kommt mit Zacken und mit Gabeln - Allegro moltoFelix Mendelssohn, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: IX. So weit gebracht, daß wir bei Nacht - Andante maestosoFelix Mendelssohn, Eberhard Büchner, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: X. Hilf, ach hilf mir, Kriegsgeselle - Allegro non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Annelies Burmeister, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: XI. Die Flamme reignigt sich vom Rauch - Andante maestosoFelix Mendelssohn, Siegfried Lorenz, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Kurt Masur
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