The 98th Psalm, 'Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied' op. 91, was a commissioned work for the New Year's celebrations at the Berlin court in 1844, as part of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV's efforts to renew church music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mendelssohn's sacred music is characterized by its deep spiritual intention and high compositional mastery, creating absolute aesthetic and religious values.
Historical Context
A monument to Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy stands in front of St. Thomas in Leipzig, a copy of a bronze statue destroyed by the NS-regime due to his Jewish background.
Composition History
Mendelssohn's oratorio Christus, op. 97, remained unfinished due to his premature death, but was intended to complete a trilogy of oratorios.
Composition History
Mendelssohn considered his cantata on the 42nd Psalm, 'Wie der Hirsch schreit nach frischem Wasser' op. 42, to be his "best sacred composition," with three movements composed during his honeymoon.
Composer Biography
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy served as Gewandhauskapellmeister in Leipzig from 1835 to 1847.
Notable Performances
Mendelssohn played a key role in the rediscovery of J.S. Bach's works, notably by conducting the first public performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion after the Baroque era in 1829.
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Motets of the Romantic Era
Mendelssohn, Felix: Church Music, Vol. 5 - Denn Er Hat Seinen Engeln Befohlen Uber Dir / Die Deutsche Liturgie
Mendelssohn: Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen. Kirchenwerke V
Mendelssohn: Te Deum à 8, MWV B 15 & Other Works
Mendelssohn: Motets
Mendelssohn, Felix: Church Music, Vol. 3 - 3 Psalms / Christus / Kyrie in D Minor / Jube Domine / Jesus, Meine Zuversicht
