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Mendelssohn Project, Vol. 5 - Gurewitsch

Mendelssohn Project, Vol. 5 - Gurewitsch

MDG Gold  912 2330-6

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Orchestral


dogma chamber orchestra
Mikhail Gurewitsch (director)

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Review by Graham Williams - January 30, 2025

Felix Mendelssohn’s titled symphonies – No. 2 ‘Lobgesang’, No. 3 ‘Scottish’, No. 4 ‘Italian’, and No. 5 ‘Reformation’ – are staples of concert hall programmes, beloved by audiences and frequently recorded by the world’s leading orchestras. Not just on CD but in high resolution sound collectors are spoiled for choice with countless excellent interpretations of these masterpieces being readily available.

Mendelssohn’s considerable body of work, however, extends far beyond these familiar symphonies. Among his lesser-known compositions are works without opus numbers, that include a Violin Concerto in D minor, a Piano Concerto in A minor, a Double Concerto for Violin and Piano, and twelve Sinfonias (or String Symphonies). These youthful pieces were written between 1821 and 1823, when Mendelssohn was just 12 to 14 years old. Long thought lost, the scores were rediscovered in the Berlin State Library in 1950 and edited for publication posthumously. Since then, interest in these early works has grown steadily, though they remain underappreciated gems in the composer’s extensive oeuvre.

The performers on this recording are the unusually titled ‘dogma chamber orchestra’ (dco), an ensemble founded in 2004 by Mikhail Gurewitsch during his tenure as concertmaster of the Baden-Württemberg Chamber Orchestra. The dco brings together a group of young, internationally acclaimed musicians with a shared goal: to combine innovative interpretations of classical music with modern concert formats. This SACD is the fifth and final volume of the orchestra’s ‘Mendelssohn Project’, an ambitious endeavour that began in 2020.

Of the three works on this SACD I found Sinfonia XI in F minor to be especially engaging. Spanning five movements and lasting approximately 36 minutes, it is an ambitious and richly textured work that exemplifies the teenage Mendelssohn’s precocious talent. One of its most delightful surprises lies in the second movement scherzo, titled “Schweizerlied”, where the composer includes drums in the scoring!

In contrast, Sinfonia XII in G minor is a more concise three-movement piece, yet no less captivating. Here, Mendelssohn nods to the grandeur of Handel and the stylistic influence of Beethoven, blending youthful exuberance with an increasingly sophisticated command of form and handling of his orchestra.
The disc concludes with a brief seven minute ‘Sinfonischer Satz’, a fragment that hints at what might have been the beginnings of an ambitious larger work. Though incomplete, it offers a further tantalizing glimpse of the composer’s burgeoning maturity and artistic confidence.

The performances by the dogma chamber orchestra are nothing short of outstanding. Their playing is crisp and precise in the faster movements, while the slow sections are imbued with sensitivity, nuanced dynamics, and graceful phrasing. This balance of energy and delicacy from the players brings out both the charm and complexity of Mendelssohn’s youthful compositions.

As expected from a release on the audiophile label MDG, the sound quality of this SACD is superb. Recorded between June and December 2023 in the Konzerthaus der Abtei Marienmünster, the disc benefits from the venue’s lively acoustics, which enhance the clarity and warmth of the performance. The soundstage is both realistic and immersive, with each instrumental group distinctly positioned. Whether listening in two-channel stereo or multi-channel surround, the recording offers the listener an exceptionally vivid sonic experience.

For anyone curious about the astonishing talents of the teenage Mendelssohn, this SACD is an ideal starting point. The combination of rare repertoire, invigorating performances and top-tier recording quality makes this release something special.

Unreservedly recommended.

Copyright © 2025 Graham Williams and HRAudio.net

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Comment by Adrian Quanjer - February 12, 2025 (1 of 4)

In his review, Graham touched upon an important point sometimes overlooked: the inspiring enthusiasm youth can bring to music. Some years ago, I had the same experience with the Ensemble Esperanza, Nordic Suites - Ensemble Esperanza, made up of young talents from conservatories all over Europe, who held at the time a scholarship with the ‘International Music Academy Liechtenstein’. However much I continue to cherish my ‘oldies’, these youngsters, dusting off the routine, are our future guardians of the values of the past.

Graham prompted me to buy the complete set, replacing Bissie’s experiment (single layer, stereo only) Mendelssohn: String Symphonies 1-13 - Markiz. It’s a treasure trove.

Comment by Graham Williams - February 12, 2025 (2 of 4)

So pleased you found this set so enjoyable Adrian. The performances and recordings are excellent as I am sure you will agree.

Comment by Adrian Quanjer - February 12, 2025 (3 of 4)

Of course. Worth all the stars.

Comment by breydon_music - February 12, 2025 (4 of 4)

Absolutely agree, this has been an important series which I have enjoyed from the outset. On the subject of enthusiastic and innovative young ensembles can I take this opportunity to wholeheartedly recommend the series of BIS discs by the United Strings of Europe - excellent programmes with a mix of familiar and unusual repertoire, always involving and satisfying (to me anyway!) - and another one is coming along any moment now!