Composer: Felix Mendelssohn
Performer: Christiane Karg, Maria Bernius, Werner Güra, Kammerchor Stuttgart
Orchestra: Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen
Conductor: Frieder Bernius
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Carus
Catalogue: CARUS83213
Release: 2008
Size: 261 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 52 ‘Lobgesang’
01. I. Sinfonia. Maestoso con moto
02. I. Allegretto un poco agitato
03. I. Adagio religioso
04. II. Alles was Odem hat [Chorus, Soprano]
05. III. Recitative. Saget es, die ihr erlost seid [Tenor] – Aria. Er zahlet unsre Tranen [Tenor]
06. IV. Sagt es, die ihr erloset seid [Chorus]
07. V. Ich harrete des Herrn [Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Chorus]
08. VI. Stricke des Todes hatten uns umfangen [Tenor]
09. VII. Die Nacht ist vergangen [Chorus]
10. VIII. Chorale. Nun danket alle Gott [Chorus]
11. IX. Drum sing’ ich mit meinem Liede [Soprano, Tenor]
12. X. Ihr Volker, bringet her dem Herrn [Chorus]
Concluding the excellent series of the complete church music of Mendelssohn.
Though the previous nine volumes of Frieder Bernius and the Kammerchor Stuttgart’s recordings of the sacred music of Felix Mendelssohn have been consistently impressive with special high points at the two oratorios Paulus and Elias, this 10th volume may be the most impressive of all. Containing a single work, the symphony-cantata called Lobgesang (Song of Praise), it presents both the performers and the composer at their best. For Mendelssohn, the Lobgesang, with its opening three purely orchestral movements followed by nine concluding movements for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, was a combination of Beethoven’s Ninth and a Bach cantata, and he rose to the occasion with some of his most magnificent sacred music. For Bernius and his forces, the Lobgesang is not only a great work, but a great under appreciated work and their passionately dedicated performance does its best to redress that imbalance. Joined by sopranos Christiane Karg and Maria Bernius plus tenor Werner Güra, the Stuttgart chorus performs with complete assurance, elegant intonation, and total faith. With the expert contributions of Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Bernius and his singers deliver a performance that will thrill believers and perhaps convert unbelievers. Carus’ digital sound is richly detailed and wonderfully vivid.