Mendelssohn: Symphony no 4 & 5 / Gardiner, Vienna PO
Format: Compact Disc (02894591562)
Release Date: Mar 9, 1999
Catalog #: 2GH 459156
Label: DG Deutsche Grammophon (USA)
Spars: DDD
Pieces in Set: 1
Recorded in: Stereo
Length: 77 Mins
Composer: Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847)
Orchestras/Ensemble: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Track Listings:
01. Sym No.4 in A, Op.90 'Italian': 1. Allegro Vivace
02. Sym No.4 in A, Op.90 'Italian': 2. Andante Con Moto
03. Sym No.4 in A, Op.90 'Italian': 3. Con Moto Moderato
04. Sym No.4 in A, Op.90 'Italian': 4. Saltarello. Presto
05. Sym No.5 in D, Op.107 'Reformation': 1. Andante - Allegro Con Fuoco
06. Sym No.5 in D, Op.107 'Reformation': 2. Allegro Vivace
07. Sym No.5 in D, Op.107 'Reformation': 3. Andante - Attacca
08. Sym No.5 in D, Op.107 'Reformation': 4. Choral 'Ein' Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott' Andante Con Moto...
09. Sym No.4: 2. Andante Con Moto
10. Sym No.4: 3. Menuetto. Con Moto Grazioso
11. Sym No.4: 4. Saltarello. Allegro Di Molto
Work Listings:
1. Symphony no 4 in A major, Op. 90 "Italian"
Written: 1833
Conductor: Gardiner, John Eliot
Ensemble: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Performer: n/a
Period: Romantic
Country: Germany
Form: Symphony
2. Symphony no 5 in D major, Op. 107 "Reformation"
Written: 1832
3. Symphony no 4 in A major, Op. 90 "Italian": 2nd mvt, Andante con moto
4. Symphony no 4 in A major, Op. 90 "Italian": 3rd mvt, Con moto moderato
5. Symphony no 4 in A major, Op. 90 "Italian": 4th movement, Saltarello
Form: Saltarello / Symphony
Product Notes:
This recording includes the premiere recording of the 1834 revised version of the Italian Symphony as well as the original version of this symphony.
Felix Mendelssohn was a dazzling child prodigy who made his public debut at age nine. Two of Mendelssohn's earliest masterpieces, the Octet and Overture to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' were composed before he was 18 years old, a feat reminiscent of the young Mozart. Surprisingly Mendelssohn was plagued by self-doubts and was a demanding perfectionist who revised all of his major works. This recording presents two of his most famous symphonies: No. 4 in A major, the 'Italian,' and No.5 in D major, the 'Reformation.' The 'Italian' is presented in two versions, one being the world premiere of Mendelssohn's 1834 revised version.
Mendelssohn's revisions for the last three movements of his 'Italian' Symphony are subtle and concern details of scoring, melodic contour and harmony. It's fascinating to have two versions of the same familiar symphony on the same recording. It also helps to have the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of John Eliot Gardiner in performances that capture all of the incandescent splendor of the music.
jacky09