Search - Felix [1] Mendelssohn, Nicholas Ward, Reinhard Seifried :: Mendelssohn: The Complete Symphonies & String Symphonies [Box Set]

And the White Box Rolls On

Rembrandt Q. Einstein | NY | 03/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

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As with Rachmaninov's complete piano concertos and symphonies, also recorded on the Naxos White Box series, I am somewhat stunned that I am the first to review this. It's been available for several years now, and has gone "reviewless" until............... this moment.



Like the Rachmaninov set before it, this is another tremendous success for the Naxos White Box series. I say that even though the playing is not.......Amazing......But what is these days in the post Karajan world that we live in? I argue that it's better that way. If every performance was "groundbreaking" or "definitive" then the word would lose all meaning. And furthermore, it would discourage other performers from attempting to interpret supposedly "settled" pieces.



That being said, there is certainly not risk of this set being called definitive, but it is still very good. It exhibits high level of technical proficiency from both Reinhard Seifried and Nicholas Ward, and the orchestra's they command



We start with Mendelssohn's set of 13 String Symphonies. They are ambitious works, (especially considering that Mendelssohn was a mere teenager at the time of there composition.) Though none are "masterpieces," they are blatantly evident of a burgeoning composer extraordinaire, particularly numbers 10-13. The string symphonies owe much of their inspiration to the baroque era, to the point of being reactionary. Mendelssohn, a son of the romantic era, was far more influenced by Bach and his ilk, than any of his own contemporaries. (He was the first to revive Bach's St. Matthews Passion, which had not been heard for more than 100 years.) All of the String symphonies have the hallmarks of the baroque Concerto Grosso, which today are considered the precursors of the modern concerto. I was reminded, immediately upon hearing them, of the Concerto Grossi of Handel, Corelli and Vivaldi. The similarities are inescapable. So if you happen to be a fan of the Baroque concerto, then these pieces are particularly desirable.



The official symphonies are also quite interesting. The first, which could arguably be called the "string symphony for orchestra" is a highly energetic and enjoyable work. Not a dull moment anywhere. And Mendelssohnian to the last. The second, Mendelssohn's only choral symphony, is a much less performed work. It's rarely recorded outside of complete Mendelssohn symphonic cycles. This status though is most unfair. The work is extremely original, beautifully written, and ahead of its time in terms of organizational structure. Mendelssohn's 3d and 4th, the Scottish and Italian respectively, show Mendelssohn's talents tremendously. Both, particularly the famous 4th, are filled with the harmonic richness that has made Mendelssohn a household name. Finally there is the fifth, and in my opinion the greatest of all. Mendelssohn's Reformation Symphony represents the epitome of his career. Though not as popular as the 4th, it is far and away a superior work. Its rich musical tapestries evoke both religious piety and upheaval in a brilliant juxtaposition. I say that the fifth symphony is arguably Mendelssohn best achievement as a composer. It is a fitting conclusion to his symphonic career. And this CD set does it every bit of justice.



Therefore I recommend it highly.



Rembrandt Q. Einstein



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