Description
Mendelssohn - Symphony No. 2 "Lobgesang," Overture "A Midsummer Night's Dream," & Psalm 114 DVD
UPC: 880242546685
Product Features
- Title: Mendelssohn - Symphony No. 2 "Lobgesang," Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Psalm 114; Rihm - Verwandlung 2
- Composer(s): Felix Mendelssohn, Wolfgang Rihm
- Orchestra: Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
- Conductor: Riccardo Chailly
- Vocal Soloists:Chorus: GewandhausChor, Chor der Oper Leipzig
- Soprano: Anne Schwanewilms
- Soprano: Petra-Maria Schnitzer
- Tenor: Peter Seiffert
- Chorus Master: Morten Schuldt-Jensen
- Recording Venue: Gewandhaus zu Leipzig
- Recording Date: September 2, 2005
- Special Feature: "Chailly in Leipzig" bonus film
- Picture Format: NTSC, 16:9 anamorphic
- Sound Formats: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
- Subtitles: English, German, French
- Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
- Total Run Time: 112 minutes (Concert) + 8 minutes (Bonus Film)
- Publisher: EuroArts
Overview
This DVD captures Riccardo Chailly's inaugural concert as Music Director of the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig with a powerful program that highlights the orchestra's rich tradition and connection to German Romanticism. The performance includes Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 "Lobgesang," featuring the 1840 version of the piece, complete with chorus and vocal soloists. The concert also includes Mendelssohn's Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream (1826) and the choral Psalm 114, showcasing Mendelssohn's early mastery of lyrical and dramatic elements.
Adding a contemporary twist, the program includes the world première of Wolfgang Rihm's Verwandlung 2, offering an intriguing modern complement to Mendelssohn’s Romanticism. This DVD also features a bonus film, Chailly in Leipzig, providing behind-the-scenes insights into the conductor's debut and connection to the legendary Gewandhausorchester.
Interesting Facts
- Chailly's Leipzig Debut: This concert marks Chailly’s first performance as Music Director, setting the stage for his impactful tenure with the Gewandhausorchester.
- Historical Significance: Lobgesang was originally performed in 1840 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press, blending symphonic and choral forms.
- World Première: Rihm’s Verwandlung 2 introduces contemporary resonance to the concert, illustrating the Gewandhausorchester’s dedication to both classical and modern repertoire.
- Bonus Feature: The Chailly in Leipzig documentary provides additional depth, showing Chailly’s vision for the orchestra and interactions with the Leipzig community.
Track Highlights
- Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1826) – A lively and imaginative opening.
- Psalm 114 – A powerful choral work that exemplifies Mendelssohn’s skill in blending voice with orchestration.
- Symphony No. 2 "Lobgesang" – A symphonic-cantata hybrid with uplifting themes, featuring vocal soloists and chorus.
- Rihm's Verwandlung 2 – A modern exploration of transformation, contrasting with Mendelssohn’s Romantic tones.
Publisher
EuroArts Music International GmbH
Hashtags
#Mendelssohn #RiccardoChailly #Gewandhausorchester #Lobgesang #Rihm #Verwandlung2 #A_Midsummer_Nights_Dream #ClassicalMusicDVD #EuroArts #ChoralSymphony #GermanRomanticism #RegionFreeDVD #ChaillyInLeipzig #SymphonicChoral #ContemporaryClassical