Mendelssohn wrote his Second Symphony or Lobgesang ('Hymn of Praise') in 1840, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of movable type. This symphony-cantata, as the composer termed it, is duly permeated with a rich and often jubilant spirit, and patterned after Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in it's solo vocal and large choral forces. The rich orchestral palette is supplemented by thrilling and expressive vocal writing, which includes solos and duets of great beauty, and culminates in a blazing fugal ending.

Tracklist:

Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): I. Sinfonia: Maestoso Con Moto - Allegro - Maest
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): I. Allegretto Un Poco Agitato -
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): I. Adagio Religioso
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): II. Alles Was Odem Hat (Chorus) - Lobe Den Herrn
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): III. Recitative: Saget Es, Die Ihr Erlost Seid -
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): IV. Sagt Es, Die Ihr Erloset Seid (Chorus)
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): V. Ich Harrete Des Herrn (2 Sopranos, Chorus)
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): VI. Stricke Des Todes Hatten Uns Umfangen (Tenor
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): VII. Die Nacht Ist Vergangen (Chorus)
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): VIII. Chorale: Nun Danket Alle Gott (Chorus)
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): IX. Drum Sing' Ich Mit Meinem Liede (Soprano
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang" (Hymn Of Praise): X. Ihr Volker! Bringet Her Dem Herrn (Chorus)

UPC: 747313120970
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 7.31.12
Format: CD

Diligent - Symphony No. 2 (CD)