Search - Felix [1] Mendelssohn, Andrew Davis, Eugene Ormandy :: Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits

A terrific compilation

timothy hilliard | usa | 06/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The idea of a greatest hits album for a classical composer is nearly an absurdity,but the selections for this package are almost perfect.The signature magic sound of Ormandy and his great Philly Orchestra open with Symphony 4 movement 1.Ormandy and crew reappear later with the war march from Athalie-a true crowd pleaser.Not to be missed is the On wings of song piece sung by Elly Ameling in all her pristine glory.The song is simply beautiful beyond words.Movements 3&4 of the Incomparable Octet for strings are included. At the tender age of 16 Mendelssohn may have reached his peak with this work.The 6 Children's pieces are delightful,if insubstantial.The 4th movement of the 5th Symphony is a force of nature,perhaps the highlight of the disc.The only quibble is the inclusion of the hackneyed Wedding March instead of the achingly gorgeous Nocturne from A Midsummer Night's Dream.Even for the Mendelssohn fan there are performances here you'll want to add to your collection.At such a low cost you cannot go wrong."