Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang," composed for an event marking the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press, has had a wildly varied reception history. For much of the 19th century, this work by the Jewish-born composer seemed the very essence of German Lutheran piety. For criticism of the late 20th century it was a bombastic, somehow dishonest work; in Charles Rosen's memorable phrase, it marked the invention of religious kitsch in music. Perhaps a more balanced view ...
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Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang," composed for an event marking the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press, has had a wildly varied reception history. For much of the 19th century, this work by the Jewish-born composer seemed the very essence of German Lutheran piety. For criticism of the late 20th century it was a bombastic, somehow dishonest work; in Charles Rosen's memorable phrase, it marked the invention of religious kitsch in music. Perhaps a more balanced view is possible if one listens to the sprawling symphony, really a cantata, without ideological filters in place. The work emerges as an effort on the part of the now-mature composer to step out of his comfort zone, and to come to grips with the example of then 13-year-old Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, all while feeding his own growing interest in Bach's music. Seen this way, the work's failures are as interesting as its successes: its garish contrasts result from an effort to unify a...
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Add this copy of Symphony 2: Lobgesang to cart. $1.83, very good condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Naxos.
Add this copy of Symphony 2: Lobgesang to cart. $28.97, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Naxos.
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