This recording was made at public concerts in the Grieg Hall, Bergen, on April 23rd and 24th, 2008.
Performer Biography
Jennifer Larmore, the American mezzo-soprano on this recording, is the most recorded mezzo-soprano of all time, with over seventy titles.
Compositional Technique
Mendelssohn's 'Hymn of Praise' features a symphony that culminates in a vocal section, drawing comparisons to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
Compositional Technique
The 'Hymn of Praise' is structured in two main sections: three instrumental symphonic movements played without interruption, followed by a nine-movement cantata.
Performer Biography
The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, featured on this album, was founded in 1765, making it one of the world's oldest orchestras.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mendelssohn presented Gutenberg's achievement as the victory of light over darkness, linking the piece to his oratorio Paulus, which also uses light metaphors.
Composition History
Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2, subtitled 'Hymn of Praise', was composed to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of the printing press.
