Amsterdamse Cantorij sings German romantic music around Mendelssohn
The program 'Mitten wir im Leben sind' focuses on Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. Mendelssohn (1809-1847) was the musical prodigy of the 19th century who, like Mozart, grew into a great composer. He didn't live long either. Mendelssohn is particularly famous for symphonies such as the Italienische, his Midsummer Night's Dream, the Violin Concerto in E minor and the Lieder ohne Worte for piano. His works for the choir are less well known but certainly, deserve attention.
Amsterdamse Cantorij sings German romantic music around Mendelssohn
Programme
The program includes both religious and secular works by Mendelssohn, flanked by music by predecessors and contemporaries. For example, the Cantorij sings some psalm and chorale texts twice: once in the setting of Schütz (Psalm 100) and Praetorius (Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu Dir) and once in Mendelssohn's version. In this way, it becomes clear how Mendelssohn was inspired by German composers before his time, but at the same time, has his own style, which is characterized by a harmonious elegance.
The second half of the program consists of romantic choral songs by Mendelssohn and his contemporaries Brahms and Schumann. These are heavily inspired by nature, and some are even meant for open-air singing.
With this concert, the Amsterdamse Cantorij presents a varied portrait of choral music from the German Romantic era, in which Mendelssohn played an important role. The program is assisted by David Jansen, organ.
The Amsterdam Cantorij conducted by Felix van den Hombergh with David Jansen, organ