Well Performed Fair Sound, Good Value, but No Libretto
11/05/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is an Fine Set of recordingsThe Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig under Kurt Masur deliver some of the better performances of these symphonies I have listened to. The only thing that mars the set for me is the fact that they left out the texts and translations of the libretto to the Second Symphony, which is unfortunate, because if you are not fluent in German or are not familiar with the program for the Symphony you might not be able to fully understand and appreciate it. All the other Symphonies recieve very fine performances, which is not a surprise as this orchestra and conductor have the music engrained in them. I would recommend this set as a good budget set of these works, but I don't think I would give it the first choice spot."
Masur's Finest Mendelssohn Symphony Cycle
John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 11/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kurt Masur's first Mendelssohn Symphony cycle with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra is regarded by many as his best, preferable to the later, digital version he recorded with Teldec. Since I haven't heard the Teldec cycle, I don't know whether this is indeed a valid comparison. Yet this cycle contains some of the most electrifying performances of Mendelssohn's symphonies I've heard, most notably the "Reformation" symphony. The sound quality is decent, not great, but should not be a primary consideration for purchasing this set. Nor should the absence of liner notes. Certainly this inexpensive CD set should be regarded as a primary recommendation for a Mendelssohn symphony cycle."
Very adequate compilation
Howard Sauertieg | Harrisburg, PA USA | 10/18/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I've had this set for over a decade, and over the years I've found more thrilling, dynamic recordings of the Italian and Scottish symphonies (#3 and #4). But as a low-priced introduction to Mendelssohn's symphonies, or for that matter to M.'s music, this set is perfectly adequate. In particular I wish to direct attention to Symphony #2, the infrequently recorded "Lobesang" for chorus and orchestra. The symphony is maybe an hour long and extremely gratifying to the ear, though I have no idea what all the singing is about, as I don't speak or understand German, and the lyrics are not printed in the CD booklet. Still, repeated experimentation has proved that this Masur recording of the "Lobesang" symphony is a foolproof soporific, if one sincerely wishes to doze off, but cannot (for whatever reason). This is not a backhanded criticism, either; I'm utterly serious and very grateful to everyone involved with the recording. If you are seeking music to relax you, look no further."
Fine recordings of all of Mendelssohn's very fine symphonies
Craig Matteson | Ann Arbor, MI | 12/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I do not know why Amazon.com lists this as only available from used item dealers. I just purchased it at a large book and music store and BMG Classics still lists it in its catalog. While I have notified Amazon.com of this, they have not yet corrected the page.
In any case, this is a wonderful and very affordable collection of all five Mendelssohn symphonies. Contrary to current musical fashion, these are all fine works and very much worth hearing. You can go to the concert hall of any symphony orchestra and most weeks you will hear works inferior to these. True, they are not works on the order of Beethoven's symphonies, but whose are? That is a ridiculous standard and you would limit your listening choices far too severely.
Mendelssohn's wrote his first symphony when he was fifteen. It is a very competent work written more along classical than romantic lines. The "Reformation" symphony that we now call number five (because it was published posthumously). He wrote it during 1829-30 to honor Martin Luther and the 300th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. He not only never published it, but later condemned it as mere juvenilia (Mendelssohn was all of 21 years in 1830). Some say he considered burning the work. We are grateful he did not and that we have it today. I remember playing it in high school orchestra and was very moved. For one thing, as a trombone player, it has a great part for my instrument!
The "Lobgesang" ("Hymn of Praise") is now called the second symphony. It is part symphony and part cantata and obviously has Beethoven's ninth as an inspiration, but nothing like the drama of that work. It is a glorious work that was immensely popular in the nineteenth century. However, its straightforward faith and worship of God is probably difficult for our modern sense of ironic detachment to swallow. I love the work (probably because my ironic view of irony allows me to enjoy faith and worship outright) and would love to hear it performed more frequently. It sounds as fun to sing as it is to hear. Mendelssohn wrote it as part of a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg and printing (because of the role printing played in the Reformation).
The "Scottish Symphony" (now also called the symphony no. 3) was also very popular in Mendelssohn's lifetime. Some, like Wagner - who bore a personal grudge towards the composer - have found it too depressed in mood and not strong enough in affect for their taste. For me, it is a perfectly wonderful work and a treasure of the symphonic form. Again, it may not be the biggest or brightest star in the symphonic firmament, but considering the innumerable number of lesser stars that still get some notice, this work should be on the list of prominent celestial objects of the first or second magnitude. This work is still performed, as it should be.
Mendelssohn's "Italian Symphony" (the present symphony no. 4) is the work most favored by modern audiences. I confess that it is my favorite as well. There is everything to enjoy in its brilliance, scope and language, and little to criticize. The autograph score is dated March 13, 1833 and was premiered in May of that year. He left the score with his friend the pianist Moscheles. According to page 276 in Larry Todd's magnificent recent biography of Mendelssohn (strongly recommended to you) began revising the score in 1834 by preparing, from memory, a score of the last three movements. However, he was unhappy with the first movement (!!!??!?!?) and abandoned the project. Moscheles and Cipriani Potter conducted a few performances of the work in 1834, 1837, and 1838, however after Felix died it was left unperformed until it was finally published in 1851. The issue of the way the "standard" version of this symphony has come to us has been the subject of dissertations and books. My advice is to simply revel in the glory of this music and put aside Mendelssohn's own perfectionist reservations.
These recordings are by the Leipzig Gewandhaus conducted by Kurt Masur in the early 1970s. It is appropriate that this orchestra perform these works because of all that Mendelssohn meant in putting that orchestra on the map. These recordings sound great and are beautifully performed. It doesn't feel like anyone is holding back or doubting the importance of these works. Every recording, including the "Hymn of Praise" is full of heart, energy, and beauty.
Recommended."
Overall, good recording, some minor differences
Craig Matteson | 08/26/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Solid and precise, yet sensitive. The Lobegesang is especially good, with the vocalists. Also the trombones highlight the theme "Alles was Odem hat" very well. For the most part the tempos match the music quite well, although the Reformation Symphony is a little too fast for my personal tastes."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
