Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5; String Symphonies Nos. 5, 6 & 10

Read About This Recording

Felix Mendelssohn composed the Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 107, nicknamed the "Reformation" Symphony, in 1832 to honor the 300th anniversary of Martin Luther's Augsburg Confession, which had established the founding doctrines of the Lutheran movement and the Protestant Reformation. Even though the symphony is not programmed often, it is better known today than it was during Mendelssohn's lifetime.

This dignified work includes themes and motifs that are calculated and borrowed from the Lutheran liturgical canon. The "Dresden Amen" can be heard in the first three movements — this "amen" motif was first heard in the city of Dresden at the end of the 18th century following church services and came to be associated with the Lutheran church and the German ethos overall.

Later, composers like Wagner, Bruckner and Mahler also quoted this famous theme in their works. The last movement of the symphony includes the theme from Martin Luther's own "Ein' Feste Burg ist unser Gott" ("A Mighty Fortress is Our God") hymn, with a powerful version played full out by the entire orchestra. The album is completed with three of Mendelssohn's String Symphonies, works that were Mendelssohn's first attempt at writing for large orchestra. The three heard on this disc, Nos. 5, 6 & 10, are perhaps his most polished and original.

Thomas Fey is considered to be one of the most distinguished interpreters of the Viennese Classical Era, focusing and specializing in the works of Haydn and Mozart. He is also known for his recordings and performances of Handel, Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Fey founded the Heidelberg Symphony in 1987 and the international press counts it among the best historically oriented music ensembles active today.

In 2009, we continue to celebrate the bicentennial of Felix Mendelssohn, and though his Scottish and Italian symphonies may be more popular and well known, the Reformation is his most noble and august. An admirable entry from Thomas Fey that is compelling and powerful.

—Terrence London

Quotes

"As a composer, Mendelssohn may not usually be ranked at the same artistic level as Beethoven or Mozart, yet this recording ... will give you a new appreciation for what this impressive young prodigy had to offer." —Minnesota Public Radio

Contents

Symphony No. 5 in D Major, Op. 107 Reformation; String Symphonies: No. 5 in B-flat Major; No. 6 in E-flat Major; No. 10 in B Minor.

Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra; Thomas Fey, Conductor.