Notes and Editorial Reviews
This is billed as the world-premiere recording of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in its original 1844 version--before the changes the composer made prior to publication after consultation with Ferdinand David, the work's first soloist. The changes primarily concern the solo part, and there are many of them, mostly small details that only those who know the piece intimately would notice; yet their cumulative effect is revelatory, as the concerto sounds with a new freshness and power, thanks in no small part to Daniel Hope's taut and muscular interpretation. His highly expressive tone is at once sinewy and beautifully lyrical, particularly in the slow movement, and his impeccable intonation and
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characterful phrasing reveal the passion and originality of Mendelssohn's masterpiece in a way that makes questions concerning the use of this or that edition irrelevant. This is just terrific violin playing.
Yet, a good amount of the performance's impact is centered in the orchestral accompaniment. Thomas Hengelbrock makes the original score sound edgier and more dramatic than the one we've become accustomed to, thanks to flowing tempos, sharp attacks, pointed accents, and volatile dynamics, all brilliantly played by the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Performed in the "authentic" style, the concerto sounds more baroque than romantic, yet the emotional sweep of the music is irresistible.
There's emotion aplenty in the Octet as well, as Hope and soloists from the orchestra offer a gripping rendition, with Hope's first violin soaring above the nervous ostinatos in the first and third movements. The gorgeously rendered Andante and the joyfully sung Finale complete a hugely satisfying performance. The program concludes with Hope's accomplished arrangements of three Mendelssohn songs in seductive performances with pianist Sebastian Knauer. The recorded sound for all three venues is first rate, which adds to this disc's excellence. It's a must-have for Mendelssohn fans.
--Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com
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Works on This Recording
1.
Concerto for Violin in E minor, Op. 64 by Felix Mendelssohn
Performer:
Daniel Hope (Violin)
Conductor:
Thomas Hengelbrock
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Period: Romantic
Written: 1844; Germany
Length: 25 Minutes 59 Secs.
2.
Octet for Strings in E flat major, Op. 20 by Felix Mendelssohn
Performer:
William Conway (Cello),
Pascal Siffert (Viola),
Sophie Besancon (Violin),
Daniel Hope (Violin),
Lucy Gould (Violin),
Christian Eisenberger (Violin),
Stewart Eaton (Viola),
Kate Gould (Cello)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1825; Germany
Length: 30 Minutes 54 Secs.
Notes: Version: 1832
3.
Songs (12), Op. 8: no 8, Andres Maienlied "Hexenlied" by Felix Mendelssohn
Performer:
Daniel Hope (Violin),
Sebastian Knauer (Piano)
Period: Romantic
Written: circa 1828; Germany
Length: 2 Minutes 13 Secs.
Notes: Arranger: Daniel Hope.
4.
Songs (6), Op. 34: no 4, Suleika by Felix Mendelssohn
Performer:
Daniel Hope (Violin),
Sebastian Knauer (Piano)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1836; Germany
Length: 2 Minutes 45 Secs.
Notes: Arranger: Daniel Hope.
5.
Songs (6), Op. 34: no 2, Auf Flügeln des Gesanges by Felix Mendelssohn
Performer:
Sebastian Knauer (Piano),
Daniel Hope (Violin)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1836; Germany
Length: 2 Minutes 24 Secs.
Notes: Arranger: Daniel Hope.
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