Mendelssohn 2 & Mendelssohn 2.1
Albany, 2025
8/10
Listen to Mendelssohn 2 & Mendelssohn 2.1
The Yakima Symphony Orchestra celebrates 50 years making music with this interpretation of Mendelssohn’s monumental choral Symphony No. 2, where Martha Guth, Bonnie Joy and Matthew Plenk lend their voices.
“Symphony No. 2, Op. 52 "Lobgesang" (Hymn of Praise)”: No. 1a, Sinfonia, Maestoso con moto” opens with the booming drums and soaring strings interacting with much grace and power, and isn’t long until “Symphony No. 2, Op. 52 "Lobgesang" (Hymn of Praise) : No. 1c, Sinfonia, Adagio religioso” offers flowing melodies amid the breezy winds.
Landing in the middle, “Symphony No. 2, Op. 52 "Lobgesang" (Hymn of Praise) : No. 3, Tenor - Recitativo - Allegro moderato; "Sing ye praise" - "He counteth all your sorrows” showcases Plenk’s expressive tenor pipes alongside the dynamic orchestra, while “Symphony No. 2, Op. 52 "Lobgesang" (Hymn of Praise) : No. 6, Soprano, Tenor - Allegro un poco agitato - Allegro assai agitato; "The sorrows of death had closed all around me" - "We called thro' the darkness" pairs Guth’s soprano pipes with Plenk’s range that makes for an expressive album highlight.
Residing close to the end, “Symphony No. 2, Op. 52 "Lobgesang" (Hymn of Praise) : No. 9, Soprano, Tenor - Andante sostenuto assai; "My song shall be therefore Thy mercy” is full of vivid storytelling thanks to the eloquent singing and meticulous instrumentation, and “The Night is Departing: Mendelssohn 2.1” exits with a sublime intimacy that spends 15+ minutes mesmerizing us with its tonality, ambience and mystery.
An effort that balances the channels of faith and the sensibilities of Romantic spirit, there’s plenty of soft bouts and rich textures to enjoy.
Travels well with: Dallas Chamber Symphony- Chasing Home; Christopher Rouse- Concertos