Blue Hour: Mendelssohn Edition

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Felix Mendelssohn with the captivating 'Blue Hour: Mendelssohn Edition', released on 18 June 2021 by Deutsche Grammophon. This 45-minute album is a masterful collection of Mendelssohn's renowned 'Lieder ohne Worte', or 'Songs without Words', reimagined for clarinet and strings or piano by arranger Ottensamer.

Mendelssohn's original compositions, characterised by their poetic elegance and technical brilliance, are beautifully reinterpreted to showcase the expressive qualities of the clarinet. From the lilting 'Venetian Gondola Song' to the lively 'Tarantelle', each piece is a testament to Mendelssohn's skill as a composer and Ottensamer's ingenuity as an arranger.

With a range of genres, including chamber music, classical, and classical piano, this album offers a rich and varied listening experience. The 'Blue Hour: Mendelssohn Edition' is a must-listen for fans of Mendelssohn and classical music enthusiasts alike, providing a unique opportunity to rediscover the timeless beauty of his 'Lieder ohne Worte'.

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.