Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3; Hebrides Overture

On this CD:

1. The Hebrides, overture in B minor for orchestra ("Fingal's Cave," 4 versions), Op. 26
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Lamberto Gardelli

2. Symphony No. 3 in A minor ("Scottish"), Op. 56
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Andras Korodi

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 In C Minor, Op.11
Octet In E Flat, Op.20
Overture "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Op.21
The Hebrides, Op.26 (Fingal's Cave)
Meeresstille Und Glkliche Fahrt, Op.27
Symphony No.2 In B Flat, Op.52 - "Hymn Of Praise"
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.56 - "Scottish"
Overture "The Fair Melusine", Op.32
"Trumpet Overture", Op.101 - Allegro Vivace
Ruy Blas, Op.95 - Overture To Victor Hugo's Play
Symphony No.4 In A, Op.90 - "Italian"
Symphony No.5 In D Minor, Op.107 - "Reformation"
Overture For Wind Instruments, Op.24 (F Harmoniemusik)

Customer Reviews:

Real class.......2007-06-24

Abbado has created an excellent anthology of Mendelssohn's symphonic output - rich, lush and balanced. A+

Great set.......2007-05-18

By my calculations, this is the single best set of Mendelssohn symphonies out there today. Though better versions of the "Reformation," "Scottish," and "Italian" Symphonies exist in other disks, I still like the interpretations offered by Abbado and the LSO.

For the "Reformation", and "Italian" Symphonies, I'd recommend John Eliot Gardiner and the Vienna Philharmonic's DG set.

For the Scottish Symphony I'd go with Karajan's recording with the BPO (that CD also comes with the best "Hebrides Overture" recording available, and a pretty good "Italian Symphony" interpretation, too).

All of the overtures in this set are performed very well, both in technical execution and musical interpretation. The Hebrides (a work far ahead of its time), in particular, is a fine recording. So is "Overture 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'." I really have grown fond of the "Ruy Blas" overture as well.

Another reviewer complained that the interpretations in this set are "too Classical." I think they are correct in saying the set is Classically performed, but I think that works with Mendelssohn, as he was "the Romantic Mozart."

Overall this is a great set, and a good way to become familiar with the music of Felix Mendelssohn, or build your Mendelssohn library.

MENDELSSOHN: 5 Symphonies/7 Overtures (LSO/Claudio Abbado) DG 471 467-2.......2006-07-13

Unlike many all-digital compilations offered by one orchestra and conductor, this collection of Mendelssohn favorites is outstanding in performance and interpretation throughout. Maestro Abbado shows a genuine affection for the composer and his genius by the sequence of selections on each disc, and I find no weak performances anywhere in this remarkable recording.

Charlie Hastings
Falls Church, VA

Great Concept but Not So Great Execution!.......2006-06-14

First, the good: Great box design for packaging, great booklet in various languages describing the history of all the performed works, great value for money, excellent representation of the great Mendelssohn's best works.

Now, the bad: the problem with compilations like this is that the material tends to have been recorded at different times and places and frequently by different personnel on various recording equipment of varying quality. What this means is that some tracks within each disc sound much better then others and even whole discs come in varying sound qualities.

Fortunately, the best disc, disc one starts out very well with the great first symphony and ends with the composer's best Overtures and the quality of the sound recording is very good. Then we get to disc 2 and the sound quality can only be described as abysmal. The difference in the sound is like night and day when compared with the first disc. The third disc sounds much better but is still not as good as the first disc while the last disc comes somewhere in between the second and third.

There's no doubting the quality of the performances though by Claudio Abbado and the LSO and of course the choice of material but too bad about the inconsistency of the sound quality from track to track and from disc to disc.

Still, the 3 stars are for the good points listed above and for the great disc 1.

More of Mendelssohn to Love.......2005-11-08

I had heard all the music on here before interpreted by other conductors and other symphonies but Claudio Abbado proved to be the most efficient for me. Thanks to the world's leading classical music label- Deutsche Grammophone -we are able to hear a complete set of Mendelssohn's symphonies and overtures with the acclaimed London Symphony in a beautiful and surprisingly afforadable album. For music that is this good, I was surprised that it wasn't a little more expensive. But good, right ? Just more of Mendelssohn to love. On this album: his symphonies 1-5, Scherzo in G Minor from the Octet for Strings, the Overture to A Midsumer Night's Dream incidental music and Hebrides Overture. These are the most famous Mendelssohn creations. His Fourth Symphony is the "Italian" symphony, with lyrical, bouncy rhythms and classical harmony. The Midsummer Night's Dream overture encompasses romanticism at its peak, with sprightly strings representing the mischievous fairies that figure prominently in the Shakespeare comedy. The Hebrides Overture is evocative of wintery landscapes and sea breezes, a fine example of a tone poem and musical painting at its best. Its haunting melody is instantly recongizable. Abbado is clearly suited for this kind of music and it's refreshing to see him stray from the usual Italian repertoire he is most famous for. Still, inescapably, his Italian soul stands out but this gives this music more color, more volume and lyricism than what can often succumb to stale, cold English interpretations like Andre Previn's conducting. No offense to Mr. Previn, who has produced some brilliant music.

Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 4 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Awesome!
My favorite recording of these symphonies..
Powerful Scottish + Other Things of Merit
Good Mendelssohn and Karajan
two Scots and an Italian

Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 4 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream (complete) / Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 8 "Unfinished" & 9 "The Great"
Schumann: The 4 Symphonies
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor; Bruch: Violin Concerto #1; Itzhak Perlman

ASIN: B000001GXC
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

The Hebrides (Fingal's Cave): Overture
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor 'Scottish': 1. Andante con moto - Allegro un poco agitato
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor 'Scottish': 2. Vivace non troppo
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor 'Scottish': 3. Adagio
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor 'Scottish': 4. Allegro vivacissimo - Allegro maestoso assai
Symphony No. 4 In A Major 'Italian': 1. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In A Major 'Italian': 2. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 4 In A Major 'Italian': 3. Con moto moderato
Symphony No. 4 In A Major 'Italian': 4. Saltarello. Presto

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!.......2006-05-10

Buying this album was a pure accident, and I thank my lucky stars that I did! this recording is absolutely brilliant. I had played Mendelssohn before in Symphony, but I had never heard these particular compositions and they have made him one of my favorite composer! I love it!

My favorite recording of these symphonies.........2005-09-24

In response to the last reviewer - I would agree that the Berlin is a bit raucous at times, but, c'mon! It's Romantic music! What's wrong with some unrestrained emotion?!?
I find these performances very moving, especially the 3rd symphony (I rate it neck and neck with Maag's version with London Symphony Orchestra). I have no need to defend the music, you've all heard it (especially the Italian). This is Karajan at the height of his powers. In short, at this low price, with this much music on it and with a newly remastered and cleaner sound, it's worth the purchase.

Powerful Scottish + Other Things of Merit.......2004-08-09

BBC Radio 3 broadcasted the Scottish symphony earlier this year. At the time I was utterly unfamiliar with the work but even during that first exposure--for I was listening--I decided to update my collection as soon as possible. Which I did by buying this CD. (Later I also bought Peter Maag's interpretation of this symphony, but not because I was dissatisfied with the CD I now review. Far from it; both are excellent.)

As illustrated from the Radio 3 example above, I was immediately struck by this music. I can't say if that will also be the case with you (because the value of art is often of a personal nature), but do find an opportunity to find out for yourself. As usual, music of this caliber becomes better over time, certainly if you really focus on it (my opinion).

Considering the other reviews, I think indeed that the orchestra is massive here. Some nuance may be lost in some instances but the overall effect of "wild winds roaring down mountains" (not exactly a quote) adds to the (*my*) experience.

I do very much recommend this CD, because even if you aren't stunned by The Scottish, there's also The Hebrides (great) and The Italian symphony.

--You may also want to check out Peter Maag's Scottish (on Decca Legendary Performances).

Good Mendelssohn and Karajan.......2002-05-23

These symphonies find Karajan in a positive mood. Even thirty years later, they still sound new and give pleasure. Both works have been lucky on record, so there is little reason to recommend this CD over those by Abbado, Solti, Blomstedt, or Maag. But it is good Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic play exceptionally well - a safe buy.

two Scots and an Italian.......2002-02-17

When I first fell in love with classical music it was generally the more accessible "show pieces" like Mendelssohn's overture "The Hebrides" that stirred my soul. In fact, one of the first discs I purchased was Dutoit's recording of the incidental music from "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Besides the great Scherzo and the Wedding March, the disc also features three of Mendelssohn's overtures-"The Hebrides" included. It has remained one of my favorite discs. I never thought I would a more moving version of "The Hebrides" than Dutoit's icy masterpiece.

I stand corrected. In this repackaged collection from Deutsche Grammophon's "The Originals" series, conductor Herbert von Karajan proves himself to be an adept interpreter of Mendelssohn's musical vision. Included are Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic's versions of "The Hebrides" overture and of Mendelssohn's Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4.

Karajan's and Dutoit's recordings of "The Hebrides" are really as different as apples and oranges. Dutoit (with his own forces from Montreal) makes the piece into a chilling, highflying affair. Karajan's version is warmer, a little more delicate (though it does thunder at times). I find both approaches valid and pleasing. I would not want to be without either; but if forced to choose would take Karajan's.

Karajan gives the Scottish Symphony (No.3) a somewhat psychologically dark, romantic yet precise reading. It starts prettily enough, but there are some dark shadows in Herbert's Highlands.

Karajan lacks a little of the Italiante style needed for a definitive rendition of Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony (No. 4), yet this does not stop this recording from being merely great. He does let his orchestra get carried away by the Presto of the finale (as all too many recordings do). Instead, Karajan's grasp of the work as a whole is evident throughout.

Tracks:

Overture To 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' Op. 21
Concerto For 2 Pianos In A-Flat Major: Allegro vivace; Presto
'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' Op. 61: Scherzo
Song Without Words No. 30 In A-Major, Op. 62 No. 6 'Spring Song'
Octet In E-Flat Major, Op. 20: Scherzo
St. Matthew: Chorale
Hebrides Overture ('Fingal's Cave'), Op. 26
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': Vivace non troppo
Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 90 'Scottish': allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 90 'Scottish': Con molto moderato
Overture To 'Calm Sea And Prosperous Voyage,' Op. 27
Symphony No. 4 In A Minor, Op. 90 'Scottish': Saltarello-presto
'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' Op. 61: Wedding March
St. Paul, Op. 36: Dir Herr, Dir Will Ich Michs Ergeben
Piano Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 25: Molto allegro con fuoco
Violin Concerto In E Minor, Op. 64: Allegretto non troppo
Song Without Words No. 23 In C Major, Op. 67 No. 4: 'Spinning Song'
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': Allegro un poco agitato
Overture To 'Ruy Blas,' Op. 95
'On Wings Of Song,' Op. 95
A Midsummer Night's Dream,' Op. 61: Scherzo
Violin Concerto In E Minor, Op. 64: Allegro molto appassionata
Violin Concerto In E Minor, Op. 64: Andante
Violin Concerto In E Minor, Op. 64: Allegro non troppo; allegro molto vivace

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
The Vienna Phil. is the star here
Fantastic performances
Double Decker or Box Set

Mendelssohn: The Symphonies, Vol.2

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: Symphonies No.1 & No.2
Sibelius: The Symphonies
Schubert: Rosamunde / von Otter, Abbado, The Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Rachmaninov: The Symphonies
Schumann: The 4 Symphonies

ASIN: B00000IX7X
Release Date: 1999-05-11

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': Andante con moto - Allegro un poco agitato - Assai animato - Andante come prima
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': Vivace non troppo
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': Adagio
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': Allegro vivacissimo - Allegro maestoso assai
Symphony No.4 In A Major, Op. 90 'Italian': Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 'Italian': Andante con moto
Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 'Italian': Con moto moderato
Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In D Minor, Op. 107 'Reformation': Andante - Allegro con fuoco - Andante come I - Meno allegro come I
Symphony No. 5 In D Minor, Op. 107 'Reformation': Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 5 In D Minor, Op. 107 'Reformation': Andante
Symphony No. 5 In D Minor, Op. 107 'Reformation': Chorale (Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott): Andante con moto - Allegro vivace - Allegro maestoso - Piu animato poco a poco
Overture: The Hebrides (Fingal's Cave), Op. 26: Les Hebrides- Hebridenouverture
Overture: Calm Sea And Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27: Mer calme et heureux voyage - Meeresstille und gluckliche Fahrt
Overture
Athalie, Op. 74: War March of the Priests - Marche guerriere des pretres - Kriegsmarsch der Priester

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-03-20

Few composers of the 19th century enjoyed the almost universal acclaim accorded to Felix Mendelssohn(1809-1847). He was rightfully admired as a protector of artistic standards in an age when musical values were being assailed and reshaped. Mendelssohn confronted musical Romanticism and struck a balance between tradition and reform. His music evinces a classical purity of structure and emphasis on tradtional craft; yet it was not unaffected by the new cult of self-expression which dramatically altered musical esthetics during the first few decades of the nineteenth century.
The origins of almost all the music collected here lie in the same short period of Mendelssohn's early maturity and European travels at the end of the 1820's and beginning of the 1830's. It was during his travels in the Scottish Highlands that he 'Scottish Symphony'(#3) was conceived followed by the "Hebrides" Overture which he composed after seeing the rock formatons of Fingal's Cave. The following year his travels to Italy brought forth the 'Italian Symphony'(#4); just the opposite of the Scottish Symphony in mood (morose & dark); the sunlight of Italy inspired him to write "the jolliest piece I have ever done" (his own words). Around 1829 Mendelssohn began serious work on his fifth symphony for full orchestra, intended as a contribution to the tercentenary celebration of the Augsburg Confession in June 1830. At first referred to as the Kirchen-symphonie, the work became known as the 'Reformation' symphony, becasue of its use of Luther's chorale 'Ein feste Burg' aas a kind of 'cantus firmus' in the finale, and the citation of the 'Dreden Amen' in the first movement.
Mendelssohn has always been one of my personal favorites, and in his short life he has composed so much quality music in all genres and in his 'classical-romantic' way he stabalized and guided indirectly the way that the next generation of composers might go.
The performance of Christoph von Dohnanyi and The Weiner Philharmonic suits me fine; I enjoy the discs very much, and really can not find much fault with them.

The Vienna Phil. is the star here.......2007-02-26

I don't find that Dohnanyi has anything special to say here, since as usual he prefers to keep a tight rein on the music. But Mendelssohn himself was apparently a brisk, no-nonsense conductor who eschewed Romatnic expressiveness. If you want "classical" Mendelssohn, however, I'd be hard pressed to think of a better example. The real delight here is the incomparable sweetness, elegance, and precision of the Vienna Phil., who like to play for Dohnanyi. They make the rapid-fire perpetual motion in the finale of the Italian Sym. sound effortless.

This Double Decca twofer was extracted from Dohanyi's complete symphony cycle, and considering that it contains Mendelssohn's three mature sympphonies along with the Hebrides and Meerstille overtures, the cream of the crop is right here. All tempos are standard, as are the interpretations. We don't get Karajan's authority and swagger or Abbado's charm, and of course there are great individual recordings of the Scottish and Italian symphonies by the score. But for elegance, dynamic sound, and the presence of the Vieena Phil., this is a set to seriously consider.

Fantastic performances.......2004-03-30

Christoph von Dohnanyi and the Vienna Philharmonic truly deliver fantastic readings of these three popular 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.

Double Decker or Box Set.......2003-08-05

This value-priced Double Decker featuring Mendelssohn's Symphonies Nos. 3-5 and three Overtures by Christoph von Dohnanyi and the Vienna Philharmonic is terrific. However, a potential problem arises if you plan to also buy the Double Decker featuring Symphonies 1 & 2. By this I mean that Decca/London has released Symphonies 1-5, and the three overtures featured on this title, as a space-saving, slim-paper box set (see my review). It basically comes down to whether you want to pay more money and get Die Erste Walpurgisnacht (Cantata for Chorus & Orchestra, Op. 60), which is also included on the Double Decker featuring Symphonies 1 & 2, but not on the box set. With either the two Double Deckers or the Box Set, you will get first rate performances of Mendelssohn's magnificent Symphonies.

Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphonies; Overtures; Concertos

Average customer rating:

Triumphant return of Flor's Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphonies; Overtures; Concertos

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Sibelius: The 7 Symphonies; Finlandia; Kullervo; etc.
Vaughan Williams: The Nine Symphonies
Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; In Nature; Serenade for Winds; Serenade for Strings, etc.
Elgar: The 2 Symphonies; Enigma Variations; Overtures; Serenade; Violin Concerto; Cello Concerto
Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 1-6, 8 & 9

ASIN: B0009A1AJG
Release Date: 2005-05-31

Tracks:

Merce, Diletti Amici - O Tu, Che L'alma
Scena, Coro E Brindisi
Mamma...Quel Vino E Generoso
Lamento Di Federico
Improvviso
Come Un Bel Di Dimaggio
Oh! Fede Negar Potessi
Fontainebleau, Foresta Immense
Amor Ti Vieta
Cielo E Mar
Epilogo
Vesti La Giubba
Dio, Mi Potevi Scagliar
La Danza

Customer Reviews:

Triumphant return of Flor's Mendelssohn.......2005-06-01

At last Claus Peter Flor's Mendelssohn symphonies, overtures and piano concertos (with Edelmann) have returned. On the basis of these recordings (all previously issued) Flor, who is probably in his early 50s now, is still one of the better Mendelssohn conductors out there.

In particular, his Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 have been hailed by critics on this side of the Atlantic for their beauty, proportion and Mendelssohnian sensibility. His other symphonies are also good and his collected overtures have been revered on both sides of the Atlantic by critics from Gramophone (which gave the overtures a rosette) to American Record Guide (which continued to promote his works even after they were out of print).

Flor's regualr partner in these performances, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, is a European band of the second rank. While not being confused with the more well-known orchestras in Vienna, Berlin or London, they perform universally well in these CDs in recordings that sound better than ever.

This is a very good collection of Mendelssohn's symphonic music and piano concertos that will rank with the best recorded boxes including Abbado and Karajn. In musical terms is far exceeds the collections led by Masur, Ashkenazy and the newer Naxos cycle of mixed quality.

Collectors that have never heard Flor conduct (or have never heard of him) can rest assured that this is a worthy alternative collection in this music. If this grouping and this price are attractive, go for it.

Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4; Hebrides Overture

Average customer rating:

Italian with lots of spice, Scotch with too much ice
Desert-Island "Italian"
Szell's Italian is top notch.
Get it for the Szell

Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4; Hebrides Overture
Felix Mendelssohn , George Szell , Sir Andrew Davis , and Cleveland Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bizet: Symphony in C Major/Mendelssohn: A Midsummer's Night Dream Incidental Music/Smetana: The Moldau
George Szell Plays and Conducts Mozart
Vienna [Hybrid SACD]
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4; Midsummer Night's Dream; Hebrides [SACD]
Mozart: Concerto Nos. 21 & 24

ASIN: B0000027AL
Release Date: 1991-08-19

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': I. Andante Con Moto - Allegretto Un Poco Agitato
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': II. Vivace Non Troppo
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': III. Adagio
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': IV. Allegro Vivacissimo - Allegro Maestoso Assai
Symphony No. 4 In A Major . Op. 90 'Italian': I. Allegro Vivace
Symphony No. 4 In A Major . Op. 90 'Italian': II. Andante Con Moto
Symphony No. 4 In A Major . Op. 90 'Italian': III. Con Moto Moderato
Symphony No. 4 In A Major . Op. 90 'Italian': IV. Saltarello - Presto
'The Hebrides' Overture ('Fingal's Cave'), Op. 26: Allegro Moderato - Animato In Tempo

Customer Reviews:

Italian with lots of spice, Scotch with too much ice.......2006-01-29

The Szell Mendelssohn is a recording I first heard in the late '60s via LP. I then bought the cassette and later the CD version. One hundred years from now, the Italian should be of legendary status. The orchestral playing is simply astonishing. I have heard it at least 100 times and still cannot believe that any orchestra could play with that kind of precision. The slow movement is a little too fast for my taste but the rest of the performance is magnificent. A must CD for any classical collection. The Hebrides is also close to perfection. Unfortunately, Sony decided to include a rather tepid performance of the Scotch symphony. It is very cold and boring. Andrew Davis and George Szell are simply not in same league and should not be on the same CD. When Sony was Columbia Masterworks, its 4 main conductors were Bruno Walter, Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy and of course Szell. Andrew Davis does not fit in with that group at all.

Desert-Island "Italian".......2004-04-13

For 30 years -- from LP to CD to SACD -- this has been my touchstone "Italian" Symphony performance. In all that time, no other performance has come even close to displacing it in my esteem. Szell and Cleveland magically capture the unique quicksilver essence of Mendelssohn's soul to produce moments (like the first-movement coda) of such transcendental perfection that I choke up every time over the sheer glory of it all. (Who says Mendelssohn is an emotional "lightweight"? Stravinsky certainly knew better!)

This symphony is one of music's few perfect pinnacles -- and this is the recording that best lets us hear why Felix's masterwork remains imperishably fresh. Buy whatever format your equipment can handle. It will delight you to the end of your days.

Szell's Italian is top notch........2001-08-15

These three works exhibit Mendelssohn's superb orchestration skill. The "Italian" by Szell is marvelous and alone justifies buying the disk. The Hebrides Overture, too, is done wonderfully and shouldn't be overlooked. The "Scottish" by Davis is very enjoyable but not in the same league. The recording quality of the Szell portions done in 1960 are very warm and vinyl-like overall. The others seem over-engineered.

Get it for the Szell.......2000-11-18

I'm in complete agreement with those below--this is the best performance of the "Italian" Symphony of Mendelssohn around. Szell's strings are not as lush as many modern recordings, but compensate brilliantly with razor-sharp articulation and a real vibrant sense of phrasing. The music positively leaps off the page where it often lies there for other conductors. The winds all play with far more character than one finds these days as well.

All in all, Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra were a truly great team which has seldom if ever been matched since. This is one of their best recordings, but don't miss their Beethoven Third and Schubert Ninth if you can find them because they also have a great sense immediacy.

Customer Reviews:

Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.

Average customer rating:

50 All Time Favorite Classics (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

25 Classical Favorites
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
Masters of Classical Music (Box Set)
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
25 Beethoven Favorites

ASIN: B000000L7D
Release Date: 1994-09-09

Tracks:

The Marriage Of Figaro
Exultate Jubilate: Halleluiah
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
The Blue Danube
Emperor Waltz
Die Fliedermaus
The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz
The Nutcracker Suite: March
1st Movement: Piano Concerto No. 1 -
Serenade For Strings
1st Movement: Moonlight Sonata
Pastoral Symphony No. 6 Finale
Symphony No. 2
Finale: Piano Sonata No. 20
1st Movement: Symphony No 5
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin
1st Movement: Concerto for Violin
3rd Movement: Symphony No. 4
2nd Movement: Piano Concerto
The Carnival Of Animals: The Aviary
The Flying Dutchman
Humoresque
Ballet Music: Rosamunde
3rd Movement: Symphony No. 2

Tracks:

2nd Movement: Symphony No. 40
Symphony in C
3rd Movement: Violin Concerto
Arabesque
Waltz: Tales From The Vienna Woods
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Nocturne
Berceuse
Siegfried Idyll
Piano Quintet: The Trout
Ballet Suite: Swan Lake
Swan Lake: Hungarian Dance And Czardas
Oh Lamb Of God
To Spring
Finale: Piano Cocerto in a Miror
Light Calvary
Mazurka
Thunder And Lightning Polka
Moto Perpetuum
Radetzky March
Consolation E Major
March
Waltz No 2
Moment Musical F Minor Op. 94
Raindrops
Minute Waltz AS-Major

Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture; Symphony No. 3 "Scottish"; Symphony No. 4 "Italian"

Average customer rating:

Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture; Symphony No. 3 "Scottish"; Symphony No. 4 "Italian"

Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005Q5L9
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Average customer rating:

A riveting example of classical music

Mendelssohn: Works for Orchestra

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in C: I. Allegro
Sym No.1 in C: II. Andante
Sym No.1 in C: III. Allegro
Sym No.2 in D: I. Allegro
Sym No.2 in D: II. Andante
Sym No.2 in D: III. Allegro
Sym No.3 in e: I. Allegro Di Molto
Sym No.3 in e: II. Andante
Sym No.3 in e: III. Allegro
Sym No.4 in c: I. Grave-Allegro
Sym No.4 in c: II. Andante
Sym No.4 in c: III. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.5 in B flat: I. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.5 in B flat: II. Andante
Sym No.5 in B flat: III. Presto
Sym No.6 in E flat: I. Allegro
Sym No.6 in E flat: II. Menuetto
Sym No.6 in E flat: III. Prestissimo

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in d: I. Allegro
Sym No.7 in d: II. Andante
Sym No.7 in d: III. Menuetto
Sym No.7 in d: IV. Allegro Molto
Sym No.8 in D: I. Adagio E Grave-Allegro
Sym No.8 in D: II. Adagio
Sym No.8 in D: III. Menuetto
Sym No.8 in D: IV. Allegro Molto
Sym No.10 in b: I. Adagio
Sym No.10 in b: II. Allegro

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in C: I. Grave-Allegro
Sym No.9 in C: II. Andante
Sym No.9 in C: III. Scherzo
Sym No.9 in C: IV. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.11 in F: I. Adagio-Allegro Molto
Sym No.11 in F: II. Scherzo Commodo Schweizerlied
Sym No.11 in F: III. Adagio
Sym No.11 in F: IV. Menuetto: Allegro Moderato
Sym No.11 in F: V. Allegro Molto
Sym No.12 in g: I. Fuga: Grave-Allegro
Sym No.12 in g: II. Andante
Sym No.12 in g: III. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Pno Con No.1 in g, Op.25: I. Molto Allegro Con Filoco - Joseph Kalichstein
Pno Con No.1 in g, Op.25: II. Andante - Joseph Kalichstein
Pno Con No.1 in g, Op.25: III. Presto - Joseph Kalichstein
Hebrides Ov ('Fingal's Cave') Op.26 - Joseph Kalichstein
Pno Con No.2 in d, Op.40: I. Allegro Appassionato - Joseph Kalichstein
Pno Con No.2 in d, Op.40: II. Adagio-Molto Sostenuto - Joseph Kalichstein
Pno Con No.2 in d, Op.40: III. Finale-Presto Scherzando - Joseph Kalichstein

Tracks:

A Midsummer Night's Dream (Ov & Incidental Music): Ov - SCO/Jaime Laredo
A Midsummer Night's Dream (Ov & Incidental Music): Scherzo - SCO/Jaime Laredo
A Midsummer Night's Dream (Ov & Incidental Music): Intermezzo - SCO/Jaime Laredo
A Midsummer Night's Dream (Ov & Incidental Music): Nocturne - SCO/Jaime Laredo
A Midsummer Night's Dream (Ov & Incidental Music): Wedding March - SCO/Jaime Laredo
A Midsummer Night's Dream (Ov & Incidental Music): Bergomask Dance - SCO/Jaime Laredo
Sym No.3, Op.56: I. Andante Con Moto-Allegro Un Poco Agitato - SCO/Jaime Laredo
Sym No.3, Op.56: II. Vivace Non Troppo - SCO/Jaime Laredo
Sym No.3, Op.56: III. Adagio - SCO/Jaime Laredo
Sym No.3, Op.56: IV. Allegro Vivacissimo - SCO/Jaime Laredo

Tracks:

Sym No.4 in A, Op.90 'Italian': I. Allegro Vivace - Benjamin Hudson
Sym No.4 in A, Op.90 'Italian': II. Andante Con Moto - Benjamin Hudson
Sym No.4 in A, Op.90 'Italian': III. Con Moto Moderato - Benjamin Hudson
Sym No.4 in A, Op.90 'Italian': IV. Saltarello: Presto - Benjamin Hudson
Vn Con in e, Op.64: I. Allegro Molto Appassionato - Benjamin Hudson
Vn Con in e, Op.64: II. Andante - Benjamin Hudson
Vn Con in e, Op.64: III. Allegretto Non Troppo-Allegro Molto Vivace - Benjamin Hudson
Calm Sea And Prosperous Voyage, Op.27 - Benjamin Hudson

Customer Reviews:

A riveting example of classical music.......2000-09-22

The poet, Goethe, once wrote that "music is architecture in a fluid state." That statement is exceptionally correct in describing Mendelssohn: Works for Orchestra. The compilation is filled with Mendelssohn's greatest, most beautiful works. His "Hebrides" is a most rich and intense audio portrait of the Scottish shoreline on a stormy night. The music is wonderful and pregnant with detail. It is definately five star quality.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

Garota Moderna [Import]

Richard Strauss: Symphonia Domestica; Burleske

Ranarop: Call Of The Sea Witch

Music: Supperclub Presents Lounge V.3

The Best Of Godzilla 1954-1975: Original Film Soundtracks [Soundtrack]

Of Unknown Origin [Explicit Lyrics]

Raise Your Fist and Yell

Square Matrix 003

Miragem [Import]

Rossini: Stabat Mater

Shining Hours in a Can

Radiant

Reasonable Doubt

Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1934-1935)

Three Chords and the Truth