Philips Classics: Mendelssohn – Elias, Op. 70 (2 CD Audio)

Product Information

UPC: 028943836821
Catalog Number: PG 925, PM2 ADD
Product Type: 2 CD Audio (Digitally Remastered)
Edition: Philips Classics – digitally remastered edition
Composer: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809–1847)
Work: Elias, Op. 70 (Oratorio after words from the Old Testament / Oratorio d'après des textes de l'Ancien Testament)

Performers:

• Soloists:
  • Soprano I: Elly Ameling (The Widow / The Angel / A Seraph)
  • Soprano II: Renate Krahmer (The Boy / A Seraph)
  • Contralto I: Annelies Burmeister (An Angel / A Seraph)
  • Contralto II: Gisela Schröter (The Queen / A Seraph)
  • Tenor: Peter Schreier (Obadia’s Telog P [role unclear in the provided text])
  • Bass 1: Theo Adam (Elijah [Elias])
  • Bass: Hermann-Christian Polster (Three Angels with Christel Klug, Roswitha Trexler, Ingrid Wandelt)
• Ensembles:Conductor: Wolfgang Sawallisch
  • Rundfunkchor Leipzig
  • Gewandhausorchester Leipzig

Overview

“Elias, Op. 70” is Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s grand oratorio that vividly brings to life the dramatic words of the Old Testament. This digitally remastered two-CD set—originally produced by Philips Classics—presents Mendelssohn’s work in two distinct parts:

• Part I: Introduction & Overture (Nos. 1–20)
• Part II: Extended development (Nos. 21–42)

Featuring an all-star cast of soloists, the expressive vocal power of the Rundfunkchor Leipzig, and the renowned Gewandhausorchester Leipzig under the baton of Wolfgang Sawallisch, this recording is an essential addition to any classical music collection.

French Translation – Overview (Aperçu)

« Elias, Op. 70 » est l'oratorio grandiose de Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy qui insuffle vie aux textes dramatiques de l'Ancien Testament. Ce coffret de deux CD, remastérisé numériquement et initialement produit par Philips Classics, présente l'œuvre en deux parties distinctes :

• Partie I : Introduction et Ouverture (n° 1-20)
• Partie II : Développement étendu (n° 21-42)

Avec une formation de solistes de premier ordre, la puissance vocale expressive du Rundfunkchor Leipzig et le prestigieux Gewandhausorchester Leipzig dirigé par Wolfgang Sawallisch, cet enregistrement est un ajout indispensable à toute collection de musique classique.

Product Features

Format & Packaging

• Format: 2 CD set in digital remastering quality
• Packaging: Jewel case with comprehensive booklet
• Audio Quality: Remastered digital audio ensuring clarity and dynamic balance

Content Overview

• Structure:
  • Part I: Includes the Introduction, Overture, and numbers 1–20, setting the dramatic tone and musical themes.
  • Part II: Contains numbers 21–42, continuing the narrative and expanding on Mendelssohn's rich musical storytelling.
• Solo and Ensemble Highlights:
  • The contrasting timbres of the two soprano parts, the rich warmth of the contraltos, and the dramatic depth provided by the tenor and bass soloists.
  • Unmatched choral and orchestral collaboration, bringing forth the spiritual and emotive power of the text.

Interesting Facts

• Digital Remastering Excellence:
  This version of “Elias” has been digitally remastered to highlight the nuances of Mendelssohn’s composition with improved sound clarity and balance.
• Historical Lineage:
  Originally produced in 1968 by Philips Classics Productions and reissued in 1993, this recording reflects decades of interpretative tradition.
• Renowned Leadership:
  Wolfgang Sawallisch, a celebrated conductor, leads the performance with profound insight, ensuring that every musical and dramatic moment is vividly rendered.

French Translation – Interesting Facts (Faits Intéressants)

• Excellence du Remastering Numérique :
  Cette version d’« Elias » a été remastérisée numériquement pour mettre en valeur les nuances de la composition de Mendelssohn avec une clarté et un équilibre sonore remarquables.
• Héritage Historique :
  Initialement produit en 1968 par Philips Classics Productions et réédité en 1993, cet enregistrement reflète des décennies de tradition interprétative.
• Direction Célèbre :
  Wolfgang Sawallisch, chef d’orchestre renommé, conduit la performance avec une profonde perspicacité, assurant que chaque moment musical et dramatique est rendu de manière éclatante.

Publishers

Produced by Philips Classics, with original production in 1968 and subsequent remastering in 1993. Printed in Germany. This edition is a testament to Philips’ long-standing commitment to preserving and promoting historical classical recordings.

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Hashtags

English

#PhilipsClassics #Mendelssohn #EliasOp70 #DigitallyRemastered #RundfunkchorLeipzig #GewandhausorchesterLeipzig #WolfgangSawallisch #ClassicalOratorio #PhilipsRecords #MendelssohnElias

French (Hashtags)

#PhilipsClassics #Mendelssohn #EliasOp70 #RemasterisationNumérique #RundfunkchorLeipzig #GewandhausorchesterLeipzig #WolfgangSawallisch #OratorioClassique #RecordsPhilips #MendelssohnElias