DR Radiophilharmonie & Andrew Manze - Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 "Lobgesang" (2018) [24/48]

With its combination of three instrumental movements, followed by a cantata with three soloists and chorus, Mendelssohn’s Second Symphony “Lobgesang [Hymn of Praise]” is highly original from a conceptual point of view. The piece is a milestone in the history of the symphonic form, stretching the seams of the symphony genre even further than Beethoven had dared with his “Choral” Ninth. In his Lobgesang, Mendelssohn achieved nothing less than the artistic destruction of the conceptual opposition of vocal and instrumental music. Here they enter into a relationship of constructive, mutual support in the service of music. Moreover, the Biblical lyrics express Mendelssohn’s deeply-felt religiosity. This album completes Pentatone’s Mendelssohn Symphonies series with the NDR Radiophilharmonie and conductor Andrew Manze. After winning the Jahrespreis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik 2017 for their recording of Symphonies 1 & 3 and the positive reception of Symphonies 4 & 5, expectations are high for this final piece of the puzzle. On this album, the NDR Radiophilharmonie and Andrew Manze join forces with the NDR Chor and WDR Rundfunkchor, as well as with an excellent cast of soloists: sopranos Anna Lucia Richter and Esther Dierkes and tenor Robin Tritschler.

Tracklist:
01. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: Ia. Sinfonia. Maestoso con moto
02. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: Ib. Allegretto un poco agitato
03. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: Ic. Adagio religioso
04. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: IIa. Alles was Odem hat
05. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: IIb. Lobe den Herrn meine Seele
06. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: III. Recitative. Saget es, die ihr erlöst seid-Er zählet unsre Tränen
07. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: IV. Sagt es, die ihr erlöset seid
08. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: V. Ich harrete des Herrn
09. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: VI. Stricke des Todes hatten uns umfangen-Wir riefen in der Finsternis-Die Nacht ist vergangen
10. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: VII. Die Nacht ist vergangen
11. Symphony No. 2 In B-Flat Major, Op. 52, Mwv A18 Lobgesang: VIII. Chorale. Nun Danket Alle Gott-Lob, Ehr' Und Preis Sei Gott
12. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: IX. Drum sing' ich mit meinem Liede
13. Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 52, MWV A18 Lobgesang: X. Ihr Völker, bringet her dem Herrn

Personnel:
Anna Lucia Richter, soprano
Esther Dierkes, soprano
Robin Tritschler, tenor
NDR Chor
WDR Rundfunkchor
NDR Radiophilharmonie
Andrew Manze, conductor