Search - Felix [1] Mendelssohn, Christoph von Dohnányi, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Mendelssohn: The Symphonies

Exellent Mendelssohn

Prescott Cunningham Moore | 03/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Christoph von Dohnanyi and the Vienna Philharmonic truly deliver fantastic readings of the five mature symphonies by Felix Mendelssohn. The Vienna Philharmonic (as always) is well balanced, very transparent, and well rehearsed; they play incisively and with total conviction. The playing is especially inspired in the Scottish Symphony, where the dialogue between wind and strings is delightful. However, the best parts of this set are the "filler" overtures. Both Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage and Fingal's Cave are played to the hilt. Dohnanyi conducts the symphonies tightly, and that taught quality makes these recordings very exciting. My only complaint would be that, at times, the orchestra sounds a bit small. Still, overall, a wonderful compilation by London Decca."

Great value, excellent music

Scott A. Gold | 06/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this set as introduction to Mendelssohn's symphonies. For that it is a great bargain. I love the music and particularly appreciate the booklet included with the cd's that give a short introduction to each of the works. For those like myself without a strong background in classical music, that was of great value in learning more about these works and about the composer."

Mendelssohn would have been proud

Samuel Stephens | TN, USA | 08/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mendelssohn's five ventures into the symphony (not counting his string symphonies) make up an impressive--if not always consistently inspired--cycle of works. The most famous symphonies, the "Scotch" and "Italian," well-deserve their fame and place in the repertory. The Symphony No.5 "Reformation" is almost as good, and while the tone is sterner and not quite as immediately appealing, it deserves to be played as often as Nos. 3 and 4. The Symphony No.1 has more spring to it, but the melodic invention isn't on the same level. Now, Symphony No.2 "Hymn of Praise" is quite the disappointment. Mendelssohn's attempt at a "choral symphony" fails for two reasons: first, it is overly ambitious, starting off with very ceremonial pure orchestral mvts, and then opening up into cantata territory in the other half. There's nothing wrong with this form, if only the music was good enough to fill that amount of space. But on the whole, it just isn't very good music and sounds quite phony.



Dohnanyi and his forces play the "Hymn of Praise" Symphony like they are enjoying it, and if you don't listen too closely, there is some enjoyment to be gotten of it. In the other symphonies, the Vienna Philharmonic really shines. It's clear that this is the music they enjoy playing most. The "Italian," with its sparkling tone and continuous movements is given a zesty performance. The sun really shines in this work. In the darker "Scotch" symphony the Vienna Phil once again displays its prowess with the symphony's stormy, but heroic, tone. Symphonies Nos.1 and 5 are as well-played.



This set also includes several overtures, especially a first-class "Hebrides" Overture. So if you need a set of Mendelssohn's symphonies, you should get this one. No complainst about the sonics either, which are crystal-clear."