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Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 "Reformation", Overture Ruy Blas, Calm Sea & Prosperous Voyage

5/4/2015, 6 Tracks, 47:09

Featuring

  • Sir John Eliot Gardiner
  • London Symphony Orchestra
  • Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Did you know?

1/7

Composer Biography

Felix Mendelssohn was the grandson of Enlightenment philosopher Moses Mendelssohn and the son of an influential German banker.

Source: Booklet

Composer Biography

Mendelssohn's family home in Berlin was a hub for scholars, artists, writers, and musicians, with regular visits from figures like philosopher Hegel and scientist Humboldt.

Source: Booklet

Historical Context

The 'Reformation' Symphony was intended to mark the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, which defined the core beliefs of Lutheran Protestantism.

Source: Booklet

Composition History

Mendelssohn's 'Reformation' Symphony, despite its numbering, was actually his second symphony for full orchestra.

Source: Booklet

Composition History

Mendelssohn composed the Overture: Ruy Blas in just three days, after being challenged that he couldn't do it in the short time allowed.

Source: Booklet

Composer's Artistic Vision

The Overture: Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage was inspired by two poems by Goethe, with whom Mendelssohn had a history of affection since meeting him at age twelve.

Source: Booklet

Performer Biography

Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the conductor, is the founder and artistic director of three ensembles: the Monteverdi Choir, the English Baroque Soloists, and the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique.

Source: Booklet

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