Mendelssohn, Felix: Magnificat / Bach, J.S.: Magnificat, Bwv 243

Featuring

Simon Carrington
Melanie Scafide Russell
Cecilia Leitner
Laura C. Atkinson
Jason P. Steigerwalt
David Dong-Geun Kim

Jay Carter
Birger Radde
Michael Sansoni
Yale Collegium Players
Yale Schola Cantorum
Yale Voxtet
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Johann Sebastian Bach

Did you know?

1/7

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mendelssohn's 1822 Magnificat fashioned a unique symbiosis, combining elements from J. S. Bach's and C. P. E. Bach's Magnificat settings.

Historical Context

The Magnificat, a song of Mary from St. Luke's gospel, became a central part of the monastic office of Vespers and later Evensong in Anglican tradition.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in Woolsey Hall, Yale University, Connecticut, USA, between May and September 2008.

Compositional Technique

Mendelssohn's 1822 Magnificat, though influenced by the Viennese world of Mozart, maintained a baroque texture in its writing.

Composition History

J. S. Bach's Magnificat, first conceived for Christmas Vespers in 1723, was revised five years later for general festive use, and this version is heard on this disc.

Performer Biography

Simon Carrington, the director of Yale Schola Cantorum, was a co-founder of the internationally acclaimed British vocal ensemble The King's Singers and performed with them for 25 years.

Composer Biography

Mendelssohn's Magnificat of 1822 was the thirteen-year-old prodigy's first major work for full classical orchestra, soloists, and chorus, revealing his brilliance and ambition.