F. Mendelssohn: String Symphonies, Vol. 3 (Arr. for Strings & Piano)
6/21/2019, 9 Tracks, 1:08:59
Felix Mendelssohn's twelve String Symphonies are miracles of the classical music repertoire, written when the composer was between 12 and 14 years old. The third volume of L'Orfeo Barockorchester and Michi Gaigg’s cycle contains the Eighth and Ninth String Symphonies: works in which the influence of Haydn and Mozart starts to shine through. 'Che vuoi, mio cor?', a dramatic scene for alto and strings sung here by Margot Oitzinger, additionally shows the influence of Beethoven on the young composer.
Featuring
Michi Gaigg
Margot Oitzinger
L'Orfeo Barockorchester
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Did you know?
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Compositional Technique
In Sinfonia IX, Mendelssohn innovatively used a division in the viola part, creating a novel five-voice sound in the string ensemble, a first in the history of the symphony.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mendelssohn's string symphonies were significantly influenced by his engagement with past and contemporary compositional models, including the music of the Bach family, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.
Composition History
The Sinfonia VIII, composed by Felix Mendelssohn between November 6 and 27, 1822, was an extensive work for a thirteen-year-old, comprising 1180 bars.
Performer Biography
Michi Gaigg, the conductor, was strongly influenced by Nikolaus Harnoncourt during her violin studies and later founded L'Orfeo Barockorchester, which has received numerous awards for its recordings.
Interpretation
This recording attempts to reconstruct the original performance situation of Mendelssohn's early symphonic works by using an original fortepiano by Johann Frenzel (ca. 1820) as a keyboard continuo.
Critical Reception
Forbes magazine praised a previous volume in this CD series, stating it "jumpstarts these works and makes them transcend themselves," grabbing the listener's attention.
Composer Biography
Felix Mendelssohn's family hosted regular 'Sunday music' gatherings, which served as a platform for the young composer to present his works and gain practical experience.
