Felix Mendelssohn

Review: English.

40399b | Songbook $7.95 | SATB

Review: 'The Nightingale (Die Nachtigall)' was composted on June 19, 1843 and published as No. 4 in Sechs Lieder, Op 59. Words by Johann Wolfgang von Goeth, based on a Greek folksong published in 'Chants populaires de la Grece moderne' with French translations by Claude Charles Fauriel accompanying the original texts. Goethe's version, published in 1827 is entitled 'Landlich, though Mendelssohn preferred the title given here. 'The Woodland Singers (Die Waldvogelein)' was composed on June 19, 1843 and published as No 4 in Sechs Lieder, Op 88. The author of the words, given simply as Scutz, is almost certainly heinrich Schutz who published a volume of 'Vermischte Gedichte' at Karlsruhe in 1841. 'Song for the New Year (Neujahrslied)' was composed on August 8, 1844 and published posthumously as No 1 in Sechs Lieder, Op 88. Words by Johann Peter Hebel (1760-1826). The original poem has five verses, of which Mendelssohn set only the first four.

Songlist: The Nightingale, The Woodland Singers, Song for the New Year

9306b | Sheet Music $5.95 | SATB German Choral Music Arrangements

Review: A true apotheosis of life, Mendelssohn's music absolutely overflows with energy, ebullience, drama, and invention, as evidenced in his most enduring works: the incidental music to A Midsummer Night's Dream. While the sunny disposition of so many of Mendelssohn's works has led some to view the composer as possessing great talent but little depth, however these religious compositions reflect the complexity and deeply spiritual basis of his personality. German and English text.

Songlist: Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant Depart, Op. 69 No. 1, O Be Joyful In The Lord, Op. 69 No. 2, My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord, Op. 69 No. 3, Lord, Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us

7009b | Songbook $6.95 | SATB German Choral Music Arrangements

Review: A set of unaccompanied eight-part motets with German and English texts.

Songlist: Christmas, New Year, Ascensiontide, Passiontide, Advent, Good Friday

9473b | Songbook $6.95 | SATB German Choral Music Arrangements

Review: For a cappella men's chorus

Songlist: Op.50 Nos.1-6, Op.75 Nos.1-3, Op.76 Nos.1 and 4, Op.115 Nos.1 and 2, Op.120 Nos.1,3, and 4, Ersatz fuer Unbestand (without opus)

5686b | Songbook $14.50 | TTBB German Choral Music Arrangements

Review: The complete Part-Songs for a cappella mixed chorus.

Songlist: Sechs Lieder In Freien Zu Singen Op 59., Aus Sechs Lieder Op. 88, Vier Lieder Op.100, Sechs Lieder Im Freien Zu Singen Op. 41, Sechs Lieder In Freien Zu Singen Op. 48

8635c | 1 CD $15.95 Dutch Choral Music

Review: "It is an art to conceal art" : Mendelssohn had never presented a more perfect illustration of this maxim than in his Motets, Op.69. Composed in the year of his death, they are probably the finest works of religious music by this composer whom Berlioz had accused of being "a little too fond of the dead". But the most romantic of Bach's votaries had more than one trick up his sleeve and it would be a mistake to underestimate these extraodinary psalms and motets that Mendelssohn went on producing throughout his life, in spite of his rather strained relationship with the eccelsiastic authorities. Tradition and inventiveness are the leading principles of an artistic credo based on the skilful and beguiling mixture of counterpoint and melody, of harmony and brilliant orchestration. After having devoted three universally acclaimed recordings to the choral music of Brahms, the RIAS-Kammerchor is here on familiar ground

Songlist: Psalm 100: "Jauchzet dem Herrn alle Welt", Psalm 2 op. 78 Nr. 1: "Warum toben die Heiden", Psalm 43 op. 78 Nr. 2: "Richte mich, Gott", Psalm 22 op. 78 Nr. 3: "Mein Gott, warum hast du mich verlassen?", Choralmotette op. 23 Nr. 3: "Mitten wir im Leben sind", Motette op. 69 Nr. 1: "Herr, nun lassest du deinen Diener in Frieden fahren", Motette op. 69 Nr. 2: "Jachzet dem Herm alle Welt", Motette op. 69 Nr. 3: "Mein Herz erhebet Gott, den Herrn", Missa breve, Zum Abendsegen: "Herr, sei gnadig unserm Flehn"

7013c | 1 CD $15.98 German Choral Music

Review: Nowhere is Mendelssohn's creative psyche more poignantly exposed than in his choral works. His desire to create music rewarding for performers and listeners alike is everywhere apparent, as is his always mellifluous and gracious vocal writing. Most endearing of all are Mendelssohn's worlds of dreamlike contentment, which cocoon the listener in a web of enchanted idealism. Hor mein Bitten (Hear my prayer) is the most popular of his small-scale choral works and was composed during Mendelssohn's eighth visit to England in 1844, just before he began putting the finishing touches to his violin concerto. The piece conjures up the feelings of peace and contentment in the flowing melodic lines of the inimitable O for the wings of a dove, which is also on this disc in its famous English adaptation. All of these sacred works are radiantly performed by The Choir of St John's College, Cambridge under David Hill in the first of a new series of recordings on the Hyperion label.

Songlist: Aus Tiefer Not , Ave Maria, Mitten Wir Im Leben Sind, Hor Mein Bitten, Warum Toben Die Harden, Richte Mich Gott, Zum Abendsegen, Kyrie Eleison, Helig Helig Ist Gott Der Herr Zebaoth, Ehre Sei Gott in Der Hohe, Verleih Uns Frieden, O For The Wings

8333c | 1 CD $18.95 English Choral CDs