Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," a captivating exploration of Shakespeare's timeless comedy through the lens of classical mastery. This album, set for release on December 13, 2024, under the Alia Vox label, offers a rich tapestry of chamber music, choral arrangements, and piano compositions that bring the whimsical and magical elements of the play to life.
The album features a diverse range of genres, including chamber music, classical, classical piano, and choral, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging listening experience. With a duration of 1 hour and 22 minutes, it provides ample time to delve into the intricate details and nuances of Mendelssohn's compositions.
The tracklist includes a blend of overtures, scherzos, melodramas, marches, and nocturnes, each piece carefully crafted to evoke the spirit of Shakespeare's enchanting tale. Highlights include the iconic "Wedding March" and the serene "Notturno," both of which are staples in classical music repertoire. The album also features recitations and music that seamlessly integrate the spoken word with Mendelssohn's melodic genius, creating a unique and immersive auditory experience.
Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is not just a collection of songs but a comprehensive musical retelling of Shakespeare's beloved play. The album showcases Mendelssohn's ability to transform literary works into pure musical magic, making it a standout piece in his extensive repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to captivate and inspire with its timeless beauty and artistic brilliance.
(C) 2024 Alia Vox(P) 2024 Alia Vox
Tracks
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 21 (1826): I. Ouverture (Allegro di molto)Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): II. Scherzo (Allegro vivace)Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): III. Melodram Recitations and Music. How now, spirit!Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Maia Jemmett, Wendy Morgan, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): IV. March Of The Elves and Recitations. (Allegro vivace)Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Wendy Morgan, Geoffrey Carey, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): V. Lied mit Chor Music and Recitations. You spotted snakesFelix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Flore van Meerssche, Diana Haller, Wendy Morgan, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): VI. Melodram Recitations and Music. What thou seestFelix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Geoffrey Carey, Gavi Singh Chera, Maia Jemmett, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): VII. Intermezzo (Allegro appasionato-Allegro molto comodo)Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): VIII. Melodram Recitations and Music. Are we all met?Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Gavi Singh Chera, Matt Penson, Shanaya Rafaat, Wendy Morgan, Geoffrey Carey, Maia Jemmett, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): IX. Notturno (Andante tranquillo)Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): X. Melodram Recitations and Music. Welcome, good RobinFelix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Geoffrey Carey, Wendy Morgan, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): XI. Wedding March (Allegro vivace)Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): XII. Melodram Recitations and Music. Say, what abridgementFelix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Geoffrey Carey, Wendy Morgan, Shanaya Rafaat, Gavi Singh Chera, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): XIII. Marcia Funebre Recitations and Music.Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Matt Penson, Shanaya Rafaat, Geoffrey Carey, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): XIV. Ein Tanz von Rüpeln (Allegro di molto)Felix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Geoffrey Carey, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): XV. Melodram Recitations and Music. Now the hungry lionFelix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Maia Jemmett, Le Concert Des Nations
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 (1843): XVI. Finale Music and Recitations. (Allegro di molto) Through the houseFelix Mendelssohn, William Shakespeare, Jordi Savall, Diana Haller, Flore van Meerssche, Geoffrey Carey, Maia Jemmett, Gavi Singh Chera, Wendy Morgan, Shanaya Rafaat, Matt Penson, Le Concert Des Nations
Felix Mendelssohn, born into a wealthy banking family in Hamburg in 1809, was a prodigious talent whose influence on the Romantic period is immeasurable. A child prodigy, Mendelssohn excelled not only in music but also in painting, poetry, athletics, and linguistics. His compositions, which include symphonies, concertos, and chamber music, are renowned for their optimism and life-enhancing qualities, earning him the title of one of the 'Sunshine Composers.'
Mendelssohn's repertoire is vast and varied, with standout works including the enchanting overture and incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the evocative "Italian" and "Scottish" Symphonies, and the beloved oratorios "St. Paul" and "Elijah." His "Songs Without Words" for solo piano are particularly celebrated, offering a glimpse into his deep emotional range. Beyond his compositions, Mendelssohn was also an accomplished artist, capturing scenes from his travels through England and Scotland in sketches.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 38 in 1847, Mendelssohn's legacy endures, celebrated for his contributions to classical music and his enduring influence on the Romantic era. His music continues to inspire and uplift, a testament to his enduring genius.
Vinylscout
Felix Mendelssohn
