Universal (Japan)  UCGG-9240 (7 discs)

Stereo Hybrid

Classical - Orchestral

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphonies Nos. 1-5, Oratorios Elijah & Paulus

Julia Kleiter, Golda Schultz, Joël Necker, Christiane Karg, Elsa Benoit (sopranos)
Wiebke Lehmkuhl (alto)
Werner Güra (tenor)
Andrè Schuen (baritone)
Georg Zeppenfeld (bass)
MDR Rundfunkchor
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
Andris Nelsons (conductor)


Renowned conductor Andris Nelsons and the Gewandhausorchester devote themselves to Felix Mendelssohn's complete symphonies and oratorios – recorded in the city most closely associated with the composer. Leipzig was a central place of activity for Mendelssohn, who, as Kapellmeister of the Gewandhausorchester, had a decisive influence on its artistic profile and continues to contribute to the orchestra's identity to this day. “Mendelssohn and Leipzig are inextricably linked. The sound and style of the Gewandhausorchester are part of this music. I am thinking not only of its elegance and brightness, but also of its melancholic moments,” says the current Gewandhauskapellmeister Andris Nelsons. “The Gewandhausorchester is not only one of the largest, but simply one of the best orchestras in the world,” writes the Hamburger Abendblatt.

This 7-CD set presents Mendelssohn's entire symphonic cycle as well as his two completed oratorios, “Elijah” and “St. Paul.” A special highlight is the first complete recording of “St. Paul” to appear in the DG catalog. Together with the MDR Radio Choir and a top-class cast of soloists, including Golda Schultz, Andrè Schuen, and Georg Zeppenfeld, they bring Mendelssohn's musical brilliance to life with passion and a deep historical understanding.