Mendelssohn: Symphonies 1-5

Mendelssohn: Symphonies 1-5

2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the European Reformation, started by Martin Luther in 1517. To honor this occasion, Deutsche Grammophon is releasing a new interpretation of the complete Mendelssohn symphonies, crowned by a recording of the Reformation Symphony No. 5.<br><br>The symphonies were recorded in February 2016 during a celebrated Mendelssohn festival over the course of two days at the Philharmonie de Paris - all under the baton of young, exciting conductor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Music Director of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Music Director Designate of the Metropolitan Opera New York.<br><br>This release is the first complete symphonic cycle to be recorded at the new Philharmonie de Paris, which opened in January 2015!<br><br>For this recording, Christopher Hogwood's editions of the symphonies were chosen because of their particular importance for the Reformation symphony:<br><br>Mendelssohn, the often self-critical (and self-revising!) composer, who in the process of trying to reduce the work to a length suitable for its celebratory function, he cut out one entire movement preceding the Finale, a passage that expands on the flute cadenza and prepares the arrival of the chorale theme with more engaging musical drama. (Christopher Hogwood)<br><br>The original version of the work may now be listened to in its entirety!<br><br>This release underlines a strong ongoing collaboration with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe that already culminated in a successful release of the complete Schumann symphonies (March 2014) and the continuing Mozart Opera Cycle. Two instalments of the latter have been nominated for a Grammy: Le Nozze di Figaro and Die Entführung aus dem Serail.