Dive into the enchanting world of Felix Mendelssohn with this captivating album, "Mendelssohn: Die erste Walpurgisnacht." Released in 2015, this collection is a treasure trove of Mendelssohn's genius, featuring a mix of choral, chamber, and orchestral works that showcase his mastery of classical composition.
The centerpiece of the album is Mendelssohn's "Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60," a dramatic cantata based on a ballad by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This work, composed between 1830 and 1832 and revised in 1843, is a vivid musical depiction of pagan rituals, featuring a rich tapestry of voices and instruments. The album also includes Mendelssohn's "Infelice" in B-flat Major, Op. 94, and his "Trumpet Overture" in C Major, Op. 101, both of which are excellent examples of his ability to blend melody and harmony in innovative ways.
In addition to these works, the album features two of Mendelssohn's most beloved compositions: "Das Märchen von der schönen Melusine, Op. 32," and "Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt, Op. 27." These pieces, along with the rest of the album, are performed by a stellar cast of vocalists and musicians, including Annelies Burmeister, Eberhard Büchner, Siegfried Lorenz, and Siegfried Vogel, under the direction of Kurt Masur and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Mendelssohn's music for both new and experienced listeners. The album was released by Brilliant Classics and features a diverse range of genres, including chamber music, classical, classical piano, and choral. Whether you're a fan of Mendelssohn's music or simply looking to explore the world of classical music, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
2014 Brilliant Classics2015 Brilliant Classics
Tracks
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60, Ouvertüre: I. Das schlechte Wetter (Allegro con fuoco)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60, Ouvertüre: II. Der Übergang zum Frühling (Allegro vivace non troppo)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: I. Es lacht der Mai (Allegro vivace non troppo) - a DruidFelix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur, Eberhard Büchner
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: II. Könnt ihr so verwegen handeln (Allegretto non troppo)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur, Annelies Burmeister
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: III. Wer Opfer heut' zu bringen scheut (Andandte maestoso)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur, Siegfried Lorenz
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: IV. Verteilt euch, wack're Männer, hier (Allegro leggiero)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: V. Diese dumpfen Pfaffenchristen (Recitative)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur, Siegfried Vogel
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: VI. Kommt mit Zacken und mit Gabeln (Allegro molto)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: VII. So weit gebracht, daß wir bei Nacht (L'istesso tempo. Andante maestoso)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur, Siegfried Lorenz
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: VIII. Hilf, ach hilf mir, Kriegsgeselle (Allegro non troppo)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur, Eberhard Büchner
Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60: IX. Die Flamme reinigt sich vom Rauch (Andante maestoso)Felix Mendelssohn, MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur, Siegfried Lorenz
Infelice in B-Flat Major, Op. 94Felix Mendelssohn, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur, Edda Moser
Trumpet Overture in C Major, Op. 101Felix Mendelssohn, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur
Das Märchen von der schönen Melusine, Op. 32Felix Mendelssohn, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur
Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt, Op. 27Felix Mendelssohn, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur
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