Mendelssohn: Complete String Symphonies [SACD] [Import, Super Audio CD - DSD]

Felix [1] Mendelssohn (Composer), Lev Markiz (Conductor), Amsterdam Sinfonietta (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Amsterdam Sinfonietta
• Conductor: Lev Markiz
• Composer: Felix [1] Mendelssohn
• Audio CD (April 29, 2008)
• Please Note: Requires SACD-compatible hardware
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Super Audio CD - DSD
• Label: Bis
• ASIN: B0016OODES
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #289,738 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A feast of Felix, November 9, 2011

By 

John Alsop (Erskineville, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mendelssohn: Complete String Symphonies [SACD] (Audio CD)

With more than four hours of high quality stereo on the one disc, this is a set and forget recording that will fill an entire evening. The playing is good. The only criticism is that it's in danger of presenting too much of a good thing. There's not a lot of variety between the string symphonies and they blur one into the other after a while. Contrast this with the matching BIS Mendelssohn Complete Concertos on one SACD where the contrasts between the instrumentation of each work prevents the collection from merging into a high-toned aural wallpaper. This disc is good, but if you were only thinking of getting one of the two I'd advise the Complete Concertos, for starters at least. As someone who hasn't gone down the surround sound path, I look forward to more of these generous stereo compilations.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Steal of a Deal!, July 11, 2011

By 

Thomas More (Billings, MT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mendelssohn: Complete String Symphonies [SACD] (Audio CD)

Don't be misled by the fact that these string symphonies were composed by Mendelssohn between the ages of eleven and fifteen. There is nothing to suggest in listening that these are the creations of an immature mind. The counterpoint, which Mendelssohn, a devoted student of Bach, uses so expertly in the symphonic voicing, is something that Mozart didn't include until late in the game. And no offense to our Mozart, but his early symphonies don't come close to these! In fact, you could make an argument that Mendelssohn's tepid fifth symphony lacks something of the passion and inventiveness of these twelve gems from his youth.

Now, the best way to get these symphonies if you lack an SACD player is to purchase a download. I'm a huge fan of purchasing downloads from Amazon, particularly with its cloudplayer and competitive pricing. For a long while these recordings were only available for download from the original separate releases on Amazon, but then in July of 2011, they added this complete set for just <gasp> 8.99. The quality of the performances and sheer amount of music for that price is uncanny. You have to hear these youthful compositions to truly understand Mendelssohn's art and genius.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, January 14, 2009

By 

J. Newcomb (the Midwest) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mendelssohn: Complete String Symphonies [SACD] (Audio CD)

What is wrong with the first reviewer? Obviously you don't want this set if you don't have an SACD player, but who complains about getting four hours of music in great sound for $20-25???? BIS is giving incredible value for money here.