Comp.symphonies: Sawallisch / Npo +string Symphonies: Markiz / Nieuw

MENDELSSOHN: Complete Symphonies (7CD)

New Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus, Wolfgang Sawallisch
Stereo Recordings: 1967

Amsterdam Sinfonietta, Lev Markiz
Digital Recordings: 1992-95

Before publishing his 1st symphony for full orchestra, Mendelssohn had written 11 remarkably precocious symphonies for string orchestra in his early teens. He had no intention of publishing them, and it wasn’t until 1959 that the first edition appeared. They are truly remarkable works and each one clearly reveals the emerging genius behind the famous works included in this 7CD set of his complete symphonies.

Mendelssohn’s 5 symphonies include two of the most popular works in the repertoire, the 3rd ‘Scottish’ and the 4th ‘Italian’. The ‘Scottish’ owes its creation to a lengthy stay in the UK the composer made in the late 1820s. The Scottish landscape and turbulent history together with the unique folk music heritage of the nation inspired Mendelssohn to compose a vivid programmatic work.

The ‘Italian’ depicts an altogether warmer and sunnier part of the world, and is the result of Mendelssohn’s extended tour of the country in the 1830s. The nature of the country and its climate imbue this work with a sunny sparkling character.

Wolfgang Sawallisch is without doubt one of the world’s greatest interpreters and champions of Mendelssohn. His cycle of the 5 symphonies was recorded for Philips in 1967, and has been absent from the catalogue for several years. This Brilliant release marks a welcome return for his sensitive and deeply felt performances.

The Amsterdam Sinfonietta’s cycle of the string symphonies is highly rated, and was released initially on BIS. ( Brilliant Classics )

CD1:
SYMPHONY No. 1 in C minor Op. 11
SYMPHONY NO. 3 in A minor Op. 56 “Scottish”

CD 2:
SYMPHONY No. 2 in B flat major Op. 52 “Lobgesang” (“Hymn of Praise”)

CD 3:
SYMPHONY No. 4 in A major Op. 90 “Italian”
SYMPHONY No. 5 in D minor Op. 107 “Reformation”

CD 4:
STRING SYMPHONYNo.1 in C major
STRING SYMPHONYNo.6 in E flat major
STRING SYMPHONYNo.7 in D minor
STRING SYMPHONYNo.12 in G minor

CD 5:
STRING SYMPHONYNo.2 in D major
STRING SYMPHONYNo.3 in E minor
STRING SYMPHONYNo.9 in C major
STRING SYMPHONYNo.10 in B minor

CD 6:
STRING SYMPHONYNo.4 in C minor
STRING SYMPHONYNo.5 in B flat major
STRING SYMPHONYNo.13 in C minor (Symphonic Movement)
STRING SYMPHONYNo.8 in D major (Version with Winds)

CD 7:
STRING SYMPHONYNo.8 in D major (Version for Strings)
STRING SYMPHONYNo.11 in F major