Mendelssohn: Symphonie Nr. 2 Lobgesang Chor und Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks & Pablo Heras-Casado

• 1 I. Maestoso con moto 11:06
• 2 II. Allegretto un poco agitato 05:31
• 3 III. Adagio religioso 06:37
• 4 2. a. Allegro moderato maestoso - Allegro di molto 06:34
• 5 3. a. Allegro moderato 02:50
• 6 4. A tempo moderato 01:54
• 7 5. Duo - Andante 04:42
• 8 6. Allegro un poco agitato - Allegro assai agitato - Tempo I moderato 04:02
• 9 7. Allegro maestoso e molto vivace 04:28
• 10 8. Choral. Andante con moto - un poco più animato 04:25
• 11 9. Duo - Andante sostenuto assai 04:23
• 12 10. Schlusschor - Allegro non troppo - Più vivace - Maestoso come I 05:16
• Total Runtime 01:01:48

Info for Mendelssohn: Symphonie Nr. 2 Lobgesang

The „Lobgesang“ (or „Hymn of Praise“) was commissioned by the city of Leipzig from its Kapellmeister Mendelssohn to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the invention of printing in 1840, and has elements of the symphony, cantata and oratorio. But, at the opposite pole from Beethoven’s Ninth, we have here a symphonic miniature in three movements, intended to act as the overture to the sung part of the work, which is twice as long. Thus this splendid „Symphony-Cantata“ expands into a sweeping vocal and choral epic.

“Uncork the fizz: this is Schubert as never heard in modern times. The symphonies were crying out for a period makeover, but who could have expected the result – taut, texturally transparent, rhythmically alert – to sound so witty and exciting? No one listening to this recording will ever want to return to traditional symphonic Schubert.” (Andrew Clark, Financial Times)

“Pablo Heras-Casado’s debut disc with Harmonia Mundi sees him draw thrillingly fizzing performances of two Schubert symphonies ...The requisite light touch is unfailingly present in both symphonies...The Third Symphony is a complete joy from start to finish, twinkling with charm at every turn...The second movement is graceful and stately in its outer sections, and the middle passage benefits from an excellent clarinet solo...The tarantella finale charges along irresistibly with a dashing one-in-a-bar pulse. Dynamics and articulation are closely attended to...The movement romps to an exuberant finish, closing a brilliantly exciting performance...Well worth a listen for its constant energy and infectious optimism.” (MusicWeb International)

Christiane Karg, soprano
Christina Landshamer, soprano
Michael Schade, tenor
Chorus of the Bayerischen Rundfunks
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Pablo Heras-Casado, conductor

No biography found.

Booklet for Mendelssohn: Symphonie Nr. 2 Lobgesang