Embark on a captivating musical voyage with Kurt Masur, the esteemed conductor known for his profound interpretations and masterful orchestral leadership. "A Midsummer Musical Journey" is a meticulously curated collection of classical masterpieces, spanning the works of Mozart, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and many more. Released on August 7, 2025, under the prestigious Warner Classics label, this album is a testament to Masur's enduring legacy and his ability to breathe new life into timeless compositions.
The album spans a generous 3 hours and 15 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of orchestral works that showcase the breadth of Masur's artistic vision. From the delicate intricacies of Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to the sweeping grandeur of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," each piece is performed with precision and passion. The inclusion of Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" suites adds a dramatic flair, while the elegant waltzes of Mozart and the rhythmic vitality of Dvořák's Slavonic Dances provide a delightful contrast.
Kurt Masur's interpretation of these works is marked by a deep understanding of the composers' intentions and a keen sense of musical storytelling. His conducting is both dynamic and nuanced, guiding the orchestra through each piece with a sense of purpose and clarity. The result is a recording that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, capturing the essence of each composition with remarkable fidelity.
"A Midsummer Musical Journey" is not just a collection of classical pieces; it is a celebration of the orchestral repertoire, showcasing the versatility and depth of Kurt Masur's artistry. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience. Immerse yourself in the rich soundscape of these timeless works, performed by one of the most revered conductors of our time.
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 107, MWV N15 "Reformation": III. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56, MWV N18 "Scottish": II. Vivace non troppoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: ScherzoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: Fairies' MarchFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Friedhelm Eberle, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: IntermezzoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: Wedding MarchFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 "Classical": III. GavotteSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 "Classical": IV. FinaleSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Beethoven: Egmont, Op. 84: No. 2, Entr'acteLudwig van Beethoven, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Beethoven: Egmont, Op. 84: No. 5, Entr'acteLudwig van Beethoven, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Beethoven: Egmont, Op. 84: No. 6, Entr'acteLudwig van Beethoven, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Beethoven: Egmont, Op. 84: No. 9, SiegessymphonieLudwig van Beethoven, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kurt Masur, Helen Huang, New York Philharmonic
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: III. Allegro assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kurt Masur, Helen Huang, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Theme. AndanteJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation I. Poco più animatoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation II. Più vivaceJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation III. Con motoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation IV. Andante con motoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation V. VivaceJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation VI. VivaceJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation VII. GraziosoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Variation VIII. Presto non troppoJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale": Finale. AndanteJohannes Brahms, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16 "Italian": II. Andante con motoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16 "Italian": III. Con modo moderatoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16 "Italian": IV. Saltarello. PrestoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 40, MWV O11: II. Adagio. Molto sostenutoFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Cyprien Katsaris, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 11, MWV N13: II. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 107, MWV N15 "Reformation": II. Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 1: No. 9, Waltz of the SnowflakesPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 13, Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Prokofiev: Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64ter: I. The Montagues and CapuletsSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Prokofiev: Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64ter: II. The Young JulietSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Prokofiev: Suite No. 1 from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64bis: V. MasksSergei Prokofiev, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 2, WaltzPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Hélène Grimaud, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kurt Masur, Helen Huang, New York Philharmonic
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: III. Allegro vivace assaiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kurt Masur, Helen Huang, New York Philharmonic
Dvořák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op. 72, B. 145: No. 2 in E MinorAntonín Dvořák, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Dvořák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op. 46, B. 83: No. 6 in D MajorAntonín Dvořák, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Dvořák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op. 46, B. 83: No. 8 in G MinorAntonín Dvořák, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Act 3: The Flight of the BumblebeeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Schubert: Symphony No. 3 in D Major, D. 200: III. Menuetto. Vivace - TrioFranz Schubert, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Schumann: Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: II. Romanze. Ziemlich langsamRobert Schumann, Kurt Masur, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: I. AlboradaNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: II. VariazioniNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: III. AlboradaNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: IV. Scena e canto gitanoNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: V. Fandango asturianoNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kurt Masur, New York Philharmonic