Dive into the timeless elegance of Felix Mendelssohn with "The Essential Mendelssohn," a meticulously curated collection of his most celebrated works. Released on October 16, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a rich tapestry of genres, including chamber music, classical, classical piano, and choral compositions. With a duration of 2 hours and 34 minutes, it offers a comprehensive journey through Mendelssohn's musical genius.
The album features a diverse array of pieces, from the lively "Scherzo" and the serene "Lieder ohne Worte" (Song without Words) to the majestic "Wedding March" and the enchanting "A Midsummer Night's Dream Overture." Each track showcases Mendelssohn's unparalleled ability to blend technical brilliance with profound emotional depth. The remastered 2024 versions of "Scherzo, IV. Saltarello. Presto" and "The Hebrides Overture, Op. 26" highlight the enduring relevance of his compositions, offering listeners a fresh perspective on these timeless classics.
Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Mendelssohn's work, "The Essential Mendelssohn" promises an enriching and immersive experience. This collection is a testament to Mendelssohn's enduring legacy, capturing the essence of his musical innovation and artistic vision. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate harmonies, vivid melodies, and masterful orchestration that define Mendelssohn's unparalleled contributions to the world of classical music.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
ScherzoFelix Mendelssohn, Jenny Wollerman, Pepe Becker, Tom Mison, Adrian Grove, Emily Raymond, Anne-Marie Piazza, Gunnar Cauthery, Peter Kenny, David Timson, Varsity Voices, Nota Bene Choir, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
No. 4 in A Major, MWV U 73Felix Mendelssohn, Michael Endres
III. AllegroFelix Mendelssohn, Tianwa Wang, Sinfonia Finlandia Jyvaskyla, Patrick Gallois
Pt. II: Siehe, der Huter Israels (Chorus)Felix Mendelssohn, Luise Muller, Ruth Ziesak, Claudia Mahnke, Christoph Genz, Ralf Lukas, MDR Rundfunkchor, MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jun Markl
II. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
II. Scherzo. Assai leggiero vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, New Zealand String Quartet
No. 1 in E MajorFelix Mendelssohn, Bernd Glemser
II. Vivace non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Oliver von Dohnanyi
II. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Lars Vogt, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
No. 2, Andante sostenuto, MWV U170Felix Mendelssohn, Benjamin Frith
Wedding MarchFelix Mendelssohn, Jenny Wollerman, Pepe Becker, Tom Mison, Adrian Grove, Emily Raymond, Anne-Marie Piazza, Gunnar Cauthery, Peter Kenny, David Timson, Varsity Voices, Nota Bene Choir, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
III. Allegro agitatoFelix Mendelssohn, Tianwa Wang, Romain Descharmes
Lieder ohne Worte (Song without Words) No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 19, No. 6, "Venezianisches Gondellied" [Venetian Gondola Song]Felix Mendelssohn, Péter Nagy
III. Scherzo. Allegro leggierissimoFelix Mendelssohn, Kodály Quartet, Auer String Quartet
II. Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Tonkünstler-Orchester, Andrés Orozco-Estrada
I. Allegro assai vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Daniel Müller-Schott, Jonathan Gilad
Lied ohne Worte No. 30 in A Major, Op. 62, No. 6, "Fruhlingslied" [arr. For violin and piano]Felix Mendelssohn, Axel Strauss, Cord Garben
Etude in F MinorFelix Mendelssohn, Benjamin Frith
A Midsummer Night's Dream Overture, Op. 21, MWV P3Felix Mendelssohn, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Anthony Bramall
II. AdagioFelix Mendelssohn, Andra Darzins, Wolfgang Wagner, Bartholdy Piano Quartet
No. 7 in E-Flat Major, Op. 30, No. 1, MWV U103Felix Mendelssohn, Péter Nagy
II. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
II. Adagio - Molto sostenutoFelix Mendelssohn, Benjamin Frith, Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Stankovsky
Prelude No. 6Felix Mendelssohn, Benjamin Frith
I. Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Anthony Bramall
AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Maria Kliegel, Kristin Merscher
Scherzo a capriccio in F-Sharp MinorFelix Mendelssohn, Benjamin Frith
I. Allegro vivace assaiFelix Mendelssohn, New Zealand String Quartet
The Hebrides Overture, Op. 26, MWV P 7 "Fingal's Cave" - Remastered 2024Felix Mendelssohn, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Sergiu Comissiona
Adagio in D Major, MWV U 15Felix Mendelssohn, Sergio Monteiro