Mendelssohn
String Symphony No. 7 in D minor (1821)
00:00 - Allegro
05:31 - Andante (amorevole)
11:03 - Menuetto
14:51 - Allegro molto
"String Symphony No. 7 in D minor opens with a strongly marked rhythmic figure, followed by gently resolving suspensions. The opening subject lends itself to dramatic contrapuntal treatment, in a musical idiom that has now become Mendelssohn's own. The second movement is tenderly moving in its antiphonal use of instrumental groups. There is an energetic Minuet and a contrasting Trio, with an imitative opening. There is dramatic tension in the start of the rapid final Allegro molto, which finds a necessary and appropriate place for contrapuntal episodes." - Keith Anderson
String Symphony No. 8 in D major (1822)
00:00 - Adagio e grave. Allegro
07:25 - Adagio
12:09 - Menuetto
16:53 - Allegro molto
"There is a solemn introduction to the String Symphony No. 8 in D major, the mood changing with the major Allegro, in the expected tripartite form, handled with a mature confidence worthy of Mozart. The Adagio makes use of three solo violas, cello and double bass, with dark-hued colouring that recalls the great two-viola G minor Quintet of Mozart in its sonorities. The mood is lightened by the cheerful Minuet, with its contrasting Trio. There is a Mozartian finale, providing, in its inspired fugal counterpoint, a brilliant conclusion." - Keith Anderson
String Symphony No. 9 in C major (1823)
00:00 - Grave. Allegro
08:22 - Andante
15:12 - Scherzo and Trio (La Suisse)
18:06 - Allegro vivace
Performed by the Northern Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Nicholas Ward.
"The String Symphony No. 9 in C major opens with a sombre slow introduction, followed by a lighter-hearted Allegro, its vigorous first subject leading to a more lyrical second subject, with a contrapuntal development at the heart of the movement. The Andante again makes use of solo instruments, this time four solo violins, accompanied by two violas, cello and double bass, in music that is effective in its moving contrasted chamber-music texture. The brilliant Scherzo has a Trio inspired by a holiday in Switzerland, a yodelling song, described in the autograph score simply as La Suisse. The opening of the last movement portends drama, leading before long to the deft handling of counterpoint that is now expected." - Keith Anderson
Performed by the Northern Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Nicholas Ward.
Nicholas Ward: Mendelssohn String Symphonies Complete, 1 to 3
Nicholas Ward: Mendelssohn String Symphonies Complete, 4 to 6
Nicholas Ward: Mendelssohn String Symphonies Complete, 7 to 9
Nicholas Ward: Mendelssohn String Symphonies Complete, 10 to 13
