Mendelssohn in Birmingham Vol.1 - CBSO/Edward Gardner

Vibrant Mendelssohn performances from the venue where he once performed them. John Suchet's Album of the Week, 3 February 2014.

Felix Mendelssohn had a great reception in Birmingham where he enjoyed a special relationship with audiences at the city's Town Hall. He conducted many of his own works there, including premieres. After his first four days of concerts there in 1837, he reported that he had never had 'such a brilliant success'. His greatest success in the city was the first performance of his oratorio Elijah in 1846. 

This album is the first in a series - which will also include live concerts - featuring the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under its Principal Guest Conductor, Edward Gardner. 

This album features the Hebrides overture, and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5 'Reformation', which was completed in 1832. Although it was the last of his numbered symphonies, it was the second to be composed. His 'Italian' Symphony No. 4, completes the line-up.

Recorded in Birmingham Town Hall in October 2013, these works zing along, every section of the CBSO whipped into life under the taut control of Edward Gardner.

And as an added bonus, the album cover reproduces a pen and ink sketch of Birmingham made by the composer himself!