In 1835 Felix Mendelssohn became music director of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in his native city of Leipzig. 135 years later, Kurt Masur became the orchestra’s Kapellmeister, remaining in the post for 26 years, so there is an indisputable seal of authenticity on these interpretations of the complete Mendelssohn Symphonies. Joining them in this collection, and making it unparalleled in its scope, are the complete early String Symphonies; they are performed on period instruments – and without a conductor – by Concerto Köln.
Mendelssohn: String Symphonies Nos. 1-13
Concerto Köln
Kurt Masur
Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 1-5
Barbara Bonney (soprano I), Edith Wiens (soprano II) & Peter Schreier (tenor)
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig & Rundfunkchor Leipzig
Kurt Masur