Immerse yourself in the formative years of one of classical music's most celebrated composers with "Mendelssohn - The Early Years" by Felix Mendelssohn. Released on May 23, 2025, under the Naxos Special Projects label, this album offers a captivating journey through the early works of the prodigious composer, spanning genres such as chamber music, classical, classical piano, and choral. With a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, this collection is a testament to Mendelssohn's burgeoning genius and his profound influence on the Romantic era.
The album features a diverse array of compositions, including the enchanting "Lieder ohne Worte" (Song without Words) No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 19, No. 6, "Venezianisches Gondellied" (Venetian Gondola Song), and selections from his Sinfonia No. 8 in D Major. Mendelssohn's early works are characterized by their melodic richness, technical brilliance, and emotional depth, all of which are on full display in this meticulously curated collection.
Felix Mendelssohn's early career was marked by remarkable achievements, including his debut in London at the age of 20 and his subsequent travels to Italy, where he was deeply inspired by the vibrant culture and landscapes. This album captures the essence of Mendelssohn's formative years, offering a glimpse into the creative process of a composer who would go on to leave an indelible mark on the world of classical music.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Mendelssohn - The Early Years" is a must-listen. The album's rich tapestry of compositions showcases Mendelssohn's early brilliance and sets the stage for his later masterpieces.
2025 Naxos2025 Naxos
Tracks
OvertureFelix Mendelssohn, Jenny Wollerman, Pepe Becker, Tom Mison, Adrian Grove, Emily Raymond, Anne-Marie Piazza, Gunnar Cauthery, Peter Kenny, David Timson, Varsity Voices, Nota Bene Choir, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
Lieder ohne Worte (Song without Words) No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 19, No. 6, "Venezianisches Gondellied" [Venetian Gondola Song]Felix Mendelssohn, Péter Nagy
Sinfonia No. 8 in D Major: IV. Allegro molto (version for strings) [Version for string orchestra]Felix Mendelssohn, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
III. Allegro agitatoFelix Mendelssohn, Tianwa Wang, Romain Descharmes
Adagio in D Major, MWV U15Felix Mendelssohn, Sergio Monteiro
I. Allegro moderato, ma con fuocoFelix Mendelssohn, Kodály Quartet, Auer String Quartet
II. AdagioFelix Mendelssohn, Christopher Williams
IV. Allegro con fuocoFelix Mendelssohn, National Symphony Orchestra Of Ireland, Reinhard Seifried
IV. Allegro molto vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Bartholdy Piano Quartet
OvertureFelix Mendelssohn, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Oliver von Dohnanyi
Andante in D Major, MWV U53Felix Mendelssohn, Sergio Monteiro
III. Andante espressivoFelix Mendelssohn, New Zealand String Quartet
No. 1 in E Major, MWV U86Felix Mendelssohn, Péter Nagy
II. AdagioFelix Mendelssohn, Andra Darzins, Wolfgang Wagner, Bartholdy Piano Quartet
III. AllegroFelix Mendelssohn, Tianwa Wang, Sinfonia Finlandia Jyvaskyla, Patrick Gallois
I. AllegroFelix Mendelssohn, Benjamin Frith
No. 1, Veni Domine, MWV B 24Felix Mendelssohn, St. Albans Abbey Girls Choir, Peter Holder, Tom Winpenny
IV. Allegro moderatoFelix Mendelssohn, Bartholdy Piano Quartet
II. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
III. Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Benjamin Frith, Hugh Tinney, RTE Sinfonietta, Proinnsias O'Duinn
III. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, National Symphony Orchestra Of Ireland, Reinhard Seifried