Mendelssohn 2 & Mendelssohn 2.1

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn of Praise) with this exquisite recording by the Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Yakima Symphony Chorus. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the orchestra and chorus deliver a powerful and inspiring performance of Mendelssohn's monumental choral symphony, a work that seamlessly blends symphonic and choral elements to create a profound musical experience.

Composed in 1840, "Lobgesang" is a unique and innovative work that reflects Mendelssohn's deep faith and his mastery of both symphonic and choral writing. The symphony is structured in a way that combines the traditional symphonic form with the structure of an oratorio, featuring a large chorus, soloists, and a full orchestra. The text, drawn from the Bible and other sources, explores themes of praise, thanksgiving, and redemption, making it a powerful and uplifting listening experience.

This album, released on Albany Records, features a stellar cast of soloists and the Yakima Symphony Chorus, who bring their considerable talents to bear on this challenging and rewarding work. The Yakima Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of their esteemed conductor, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving.

The album also includes the bonus track "The Night is Departing," providing an added layer of depth and variety to the listening experience. With a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, this recording offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2, Op. 52, "Lobgesang."

Whether you are a longtime fan of Mendelssohn's music or a newcomer to his works, this recording of "Lobgesang" is sure to captivate and inspire. The Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Yakima Symphony Chorus bring their considerable talents to bear on this challenging and rewarding work, delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving.