Mendelssohn Midsummer Nights Dream Pacific Symphony Orchestra Reviews

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847)

Symphony No.4 in A major, "Italian"
Overture and Incidental Music to A Midsummer Dark's Dream The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
performing on catamenia instruments
conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras

VIRGIN VERITAS Edition VER 5 61183-ii
[63'17"] mid-price

by Chia Han-Leon

By xiii, Mendelssohn had already composed twelve superb string symphonies; and by 17, the fabulous string Octet and, inspired past Shakespeare's play, the sparkling and humorous Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream. Doesn't that make all of the states useless 20-plus-year-olds utterly ashamed??

The 4th and the Incidental Music to A Midsummer Dark's Dream are two of Mendelssohn'southward well-nigh delightful works — for many good reasons which I need not further justify. I recommend this disc with all possible enthusiasm not just considering of the superb playing, phrasing and sense of enjoyment, very characteristic of the intelligent conducting of Sir Charles Mackerras, but likewise because of the surprising benefits of listening to Mendelssohn on period instruments. Yup, in that location I go again – the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) uses instruments of the 18th and 19th century make.

At first, I idea there wouldn't exist much difference, and bought the disc because of Mackerras's involvement. But listening to the distinctive woodwind, the crisp and raw percussion, the skittering strings, the uninhibited blare of flow brass and most of all the guffawing laugh of the ophicleide (an antecedent of the modern lower contumely, pictured left) – I realized again how much music from even this belatedly period is aided by the extra clarity of instrumental lines that only a carefully-assembled menses orchestra can attain. I said that Mackerras is an intelligent conductor because even when he conducts a modern orchestra, he keeps very careful tabs on orchestral size and textural clarity. This 1988 recording is reproduced in clear and sparkling sound.

Keep in mind that both Berlioz and Mendelssohn deliberately included a part for the ophicleide in La Symphonie Fantastique and A Midsummer Night's Dream, respectively. The former because he wanted a raw, ominous-sounding instrument and the latter for – well – humour. The ophicleide has a boomy, bold voice, not at all similar the mellow tuba, but more woody and gruff. Felix evidently thought that it fitted the funny antics in the "Dance of the Clowns" (Track 11). The ophicleide has a bashful just sincere issue, rather like a shy gentle behemothic; and makes the tuba, used in modern performances, sound far also civilized and humourless past contrast.

The Scherzo, a woodwind-killer, is delightful if a touch on dry out of tone. Even the strings have a lot of fun! And don't for a moment think that a French horn made in 1830 cannot sound beautiful in the Nocturne!

I was not looking forward to hearing the famous (clichd?) "Wedding March" (yeah – that's the one), but once again, I was caught by surprise by the freshness that Mackerras brought to the score.

It is played briskly, just without a hint of hastiness, and if instruments tin can convey wedding joy, the brass fanfares here succeed brilliantly. A very festive performance, right through to the final chords. The same sensitivity is instilled in the performance of the symphony – the opening Allegro vivace is celebratory and joyous, the Andante (the and then-called "pilgrim song") singing, a lilliputian quicker than many may await, but once more it does non experience rushed.

Flora, a detail from Botticelli's Primavera ("Spring" c.1478) graces the cover of this disc from the excellent Veritas Edition series. You should avoid information technology merely if you absolutely cannot stand up the sound of period instruments – but by all means hear it beginning. If not, collectors who already own the music in modern instrumentation can learn a lot hither.

In 1997, in the midst of the celebrations for the 200th altogether of Schubert and 100th death ceremony of Brahms, allow usa not forget that 150 years ago a Jew who returned to us the genius of Bach died, tragically, at the historic period of only 35.

In Singapore, this disc is available at or can be ordered from Tower (Pacific Plaza & Suntec City) and HMV (The Heeren).

055: 1996; up.eleven.5.98

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Source: http://www.flyinginkpot.com/1998/05/inkpot-classical-music-reviews-mendelssohn-symphony-no-4-and-midsummer-nights-dream-veritas/

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