Felix MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY (1809-1847)
The Complete String Symphonies
Münchner Rundfunkorchester/Henry Raudales (violin)
rec. 2006-20, Studio 1, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich
BR KLASSIK 900337 [3 CDs: 208:19]
Recently released by BR-Klassik, this three-CD set features Mendelssohn’s thirteen String Symphonies (or Sinfonias). The thirteenth work is known as the Sinfoniesatz (Symphonic movement), marked Grave - Allegro molto. Also included in the set is a violin concerto - not Mendelssohn’s famous Violin Concerto in E minor from 1844 but the youthful Concerto for violin and string orchestra in D minor. All the works here probably originate from the period 1821-23, when the fledgling composer was aged twelve to fourteen. Though it was not his intention to publish, Mendelssohn did conserve his set of string symphonies in manuscript score. After his death in 1847, the manuscripts were lost and only rediscovered in 1950 in the Mendelssohn archives at Staatsbibliothek (State Library), Berlin, and subsequently published.
In 2019 BR-Klassik (Cat. No. 900324) released a single CD of the Mendelssohn String Symphonies No’s 1–6 and the Concerto for violin and string orchestra in D minor. This new album reissues those same recordings adding the String Symphonies No’s 7–13 to complete the full set which has already been reviewed on MusicWeb.
The last time I sat down and listened to any of the Mendelssohn string symphonies was in 2018 with the then newly released and engagingly played set of Mendelssohn Complete Symphonies with the Heidelberger Sinfoniker under Thomas Fey on Hänssler Classic. It is easy to dismiss the string symphonies as the writing of a mere adolescent, but make no mistake, Mendelssohn was no ordinary adolescent, as this recording demonstrates. These are quality works by the precociously gifted composer, infused with youthful vitality and enthusiasm which reveal the emergence of genius.
It is easy to understand why the young Mendelssohn was attracted to composing string symphonies. He was keen to hone his symphonic writing and hear these string symphonies performed, and they were almost certainly played at the Sunday musicales in the wealthy Mendelssohn family’s Berlin residence which would certainly accommodate a chamber-sized ensemble, giving the young composer the opportunities to conduct his own works. Mendelssohn and his older sister Fanny were both skilled musicians and would often perform as soloists at home before their family, friends and guests.
Experienced concertmaster Henry Raudales directs the pared down Münchner Rundfunkorchester from his Guadagnini violin (1787) in these splendidly accomplished string symphonies and the results are first class. The string group plays with polish, clarity and precision, demonstrating impressive ensemble and producing a glowing string sound. The freshness and vitality of these performances are very engaging; they communicate the players’ dedication to these much-undervalued string works.
In 2011, I reported from a Manchester Camerata concert given at Kendal, Cumbria which included a performance of Mendelssohn’s youthful Concerto for violin and string orchestra in D minor, a work contemporaneous with the string symphonies. Leader Giovanni Guzzo was the soloist who directed the Camerata from the violin. Mendelssohn wrote the D minor violin concerto for his friend and teacher the violinist Eduard Ritz. For around a century this early work was out of favour until Yehudi Menuhin revived it in 1952. Actually, two versions of the concerto were unearthed, one with two movements, and another with three - the one performed here. I usually enjoy Mendelssohn’s early works, but in truth, I find it difficult to engage fully with this score, which I find rather disappointing, despite the laudable endeavours of Henry Raudales and his players. Perhaps I am subconsciously comparing this fledgling concerto with his later great masterpiece the Violin Concerto in E minor.
The sound engineers here have achieved a satisfying level of clarity and balance. Musicologist Guido Johannes Joerg provides the booklet essay which I find both helpful and interesting.
Undoubtedly the works here are not among Mendelssohn’s greatest, nevertheless they exhibit the blossoming of a rare genius and are certainly worth hearing, especially as they are so engagingly played - so, if this repertoire suits, there is no reason to hesitate.
Michael Cookson
Previous review: Dominy Clements
Contents
CD 1 [74:11]
1-3. Symphony No. 1 in C major, MWV N 1 [8:56]
4-6. Symphony No. 2 in D major, MWV N 2 [9:57]
7-9. Symphony No. 3 in E minor, MWV N 3 [7:35]
10-12. Symphony No. 4 in C minor, MWV N 4 [7:31]
13-15. Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, MWV N 5 [8:51]
16-18. Symphony No. 6 in E-flat major, MWV N 6 [12:06]
19-22. Symphony No. 7 in D minor, MWV N 7 [19:15]
CD 2 [58:42]
1-4. Symphony No. 8 in D major, MWV N 8 [22:29]
5-8. Symphony No. 9 in C major, MWV N 9 [27:18]
9. Symphony No. 10 in B minor, MWV N 10 [8:55]
CD 3 [75:26]
1-5. Symphony No. 11 in F major, MWV N 11 [35:20]
6-8. Symphony No. 12 in G minor, MWV N 12 [14:32]
9. Symphony No. 13 (Sinfoniesatz) in C minor, MWV N 14 [6:09]
10-12. Concerto for violin and string orchestra in D minor, MWV O 3 (1821-23) [19:25]
