Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Felix Mendelssohn with "Mendelssohn in Birmingham, Vol. 3," a remarkable album released on February 1, 2015, under the esteemed Chandos label. This exquisite collection showcases Mendelssohn's mastery of chamber music, classical piano, and choral compositions, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.
The album opens with "Meeresstill und glückliche Fahrt" (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), Op. 27, featuring two contrasting movements that evoke the serene beauty of the sea and the exhilaration of a prosperous voyage. The first movement, "Meersstille," is a gentle Adagio, while the second, "Glückliche Fahrt," is a lively Molto allegro e vivace.
The centerpiece of the album is Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, also known as "Hymn of Praise." This monumental work is a choral symphony that combines the grandeur of a symphony orchestra with the power and beauty of a choir. The symphony is divided into ten movements, each exploring different themes of praise, gratitude, and redemption. The choral sections are interspersed with instrumental movements, creating a dynamic and engaging musical journey.
Throughout the album, Mendelssohn's compositions demonstrate his deep musical understanding and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. His use of melody, harmony, and rhythm is masterful, and his compositions are both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. The performances on this album are equally impressive, with the musicians and singers bringing Mendelssohn's compositions to life with passion and precision.
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
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