Album

Prague Philharmonia, Jiří Bělohlávek

Mendelssohn: Symphonies No. 3 "Scottish", No. 4 "Italian"

Catalogue Number: SU 3876-2
Published: 14th July 2006
Genre: Chamber Music
Format: 1 CD
This album has received following awards:
  • Stereoplay Disc of the Month (2007)
Jiří Bělohlávek, longtime principal conductor of the Prague Philharmonia and also principal conductor of the BBC London Symphony Orchestra, has produced a new recording of Mendelssohn's famous "oScottish" and "Italian" symphonies. Both symphonies are from Mendelssohn's peak creative years, the "Italian" dating from 1833 and the "Scottish" from 1842. Both were also inspired by the lands and landmarks of their respective titles, and by Mendelssohn's travel experiences there. The Scottish Symphony reflects the unique melancholy of the Scottish highlands, and the Italian, on the other hand, is one of Mendelssohn's merriest, as he himself wrote. This recording is marked by Bělohlávek's long years of detailed work with this versatile ensemble of energetic musicians. Mendelssohn's symphonies are part of the philharmonic's core repertoire, and Bělohlávek's artistic experience has transformed them into extraordinary musicaltreats.

Mendelssohn's Scottish and Italian symphonies in brilliant performances.
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Scottish, Op. 56
1. Andante con moto. Allegro un poco agitato 15:28
2. Vivace non troppo (att.) 04:22
3. Adagio (att.) 10:53
4. Allegro vivacissimo (att.) 10:38
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
Symphony No. 4 in A major Italian, Op. 90
5. Allegro vivace 10:54
6. Andante con moto 06:05
7. Con moto moderato 06:39
8. Saltarello (Presto) 05:21