Title: Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 2 "Lobgesang"
Artist: Bach Collegium Japan
Label: Bis
Product Type: SUPER-AUDIO CD
UPC: 7318599927619
Genre: Classical Artists
Release Date: 2026-04-03
Number of Discs: 1

Masaaki Suzuki and the Bach Collegium Japan, renowned for their definitive interpretations of Bach's vocal music, have also garnered critical acclaim for their recordings of major choral and orchestral works, including Mozart's Requiem and the Mass in C minor, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis and Symphony No. 9, and Brahms's Ein deutsches Requiem. Their latest venture sees them turn their expertise to Felix Mendelssohn's symphony-cantata, Symphony No. 2 'Lobgesang' (Hymn of Praise).Scored for soloists, choir, and orchestra, the work comprises three symphonic movements and a final chorus-a design that clearly echoes Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Yet Mendelssohn takes this concept further, with the concluding cantata section occupying two-thirds of the entire work's duration. It's text draws from biblical excerpts and specially commissioned poems. The initial symphonic movements, steeped in German Romanticism, deftly alternate with chorale-like passages, establishing a profound link to the ancient cantata tradition that defines the monumental finale.Premièred at St Thomas' Church in Leipzig (the same church where Mendelssohn's hero, Johann Sebastian Bach, once worked), the work celebrates the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. It proved an immediate and resounding success, quickly becoming one of the most frequently performed works during Mendelssohn's lifetime.

Tracks:
1.1 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~I. Sinfonia. Maestoso con moto - Allegro -
1.2 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~I. Sinfonia. Allegretto un poco agitato -
1.3 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~I. Sinfonia. Adagio religioso
1.4 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~II. Chorus and Aria: Alles, was Odem hat, lobe den Herrn...Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele
1.5 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~III. Recitative and Aria: Saget es, die ihr erlöset seid...Er zählet unsere Tränen. Allegro moderato
1.6 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~IV. Chorus: Sagt, es die ihr erlöset seid. A tempo moderato
1.7 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~V. Soprano Duet and Chorus: Ich harrete des Herrn. Andante
1.8 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~VI. Aria and Recitative: Stricke des Todes … Wir riefen in der Finsternis. Allegro un poco agitato - Allegro assai agitato
1.9 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~VII. Chorus and Soprano Solo: Die Nacht ist vergangen. Allegro maestoso e molto vivace
1.10 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~VIII. Chorale: Nun danket alle Gott. Andante con moto
1.11 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~IX. Duet: Drum sing ich mit meinem Liede. Andante sostenuto assai
1.12 Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, 'Lobgesang' ('Hymn of Praise') Op. 52 (MWV A 18)~X. Final Chorus: Ihr Völker, bringet her. Allegro non troppo