FELIX MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847)

 

Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 52, ‘Lobgesang’ (‘Hymn of Praise’)

 

Judith Howarth, soprano; Jennifer Larmore, mezzo-soprano; Christoph Prégardien, tenor;

Bergen Philharmonic Choir; KorVest (Bergen Vocal Ensemble);

The Danish National Vocal Ensemble/DR;

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra / Andrew Litton

 

Recorded at public concerts in the Grieg Hall, Bergen, April 2008

 

Completed in 1840, Mendelssohn's ‘Lobgesang’ Symphony is actually his fourth in order of composition, preceded by both the Italian (No.4) and the Reformation Symphony (No.5).  It was composed to mark the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. Instead of dealing with the subject of printing or Gutenberg’s life, however, Mendelssohn chose to focus on the consequences of Gutenberg’s achievement, presenting it as the victory of light over darkness.

 

BIS SACD BISSACD1704