Choral Classics

Experience the timeless elegance of Felix Mendelssohn's "Choral Classics," a captivating collection of choral and piano works that showcase the composer's mastery of classical and chamber music. Released in January 2000 under the Maestoso label, this album spans a concise yet impactful 44 minutes, featuring some of Mendelssohn's most beloved compositions.

The album opens with "Hear My Prayer," a deeply moving choral piece that sets the tone for the spiritual and introspective journey that follows. "How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place" continues this theme, showcasing Mendelssohn's ability to blend sacred text with sublime melody. The album also includes the revered "Ave Verum Corpus," a short yet profound piece that highlights the composer's gift for creating moments of pure musical transcendence.

For those who appreciate a blend of the sacred and the secular, "In Windsor Forest" offers a delightful contrast, drawing from Mendelssohn's incidental music for Shakespeare's "As You Like It." The album concludes with the triumphant "Te Deum Laudamus" and the iconic "Jerusalem," a rousing anthem that has become synonymous with British pride and patriotism.

Recorded by the renowned Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, under the direction of Richard Marlow, this album benefits from exceptional vocal performances and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Mendelssohn's music, "Choral Classics" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that celebrates the enduring power of choral and piano music.

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.