Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Felix Mendelssohn with this exquisite collection of his most celebrated works. Released on January 1, 1988, by Nimbus Records, this album showcases Mendelssohn's mastery of chamber music, classical piano, and choral compositions, all within a concise 52-minute duration.
The album opens with Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25, a piece that immediately draws the audience in with its fiery "Molto allegro con fuoco" movement. The concerto continues with a serene "Andante" and concludes with a spirited "Presto," demonstrating Mendelssohn's ability to evoke a range of emotions through his music.
Following the first concerto, the Hebrides Overture, also known as "Fingal's Cave," transports listeners to the rugged beauty of Scotland's coastline. Inspired by Mendelssohn's visit to the famous sea cave, this overture captures the essence of the natural world with its dynamic and evocative melodies.
The album concludes with Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 40. This concerto is a testament to Mendelssohn's compositional prowess, featuring an "Allegro appassionato" that is both passionate and intense, an "Adagio - molto sostenuto" that is deeply moving, and a lively "Finale - Presto Scherzando" that brings the album to a thrilling close.
This album is a perfect introduction to Mendelssohn's work for those new to his music, and a delightful addition to the collection of seasoned classical music enthusiasts. The performances are exquisite, capturing the essence of Mendelssohn's compositions and bringing them to life with precision and passion.