Mendelssohn, Felix - Die Erste Walpurgisnacht - Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
"Die erste Walpurgisnacht" is the fruit of the lifelong admiration of Mendelssohn for Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the towering cultural and political influence of his time. The Cantata for vocal soloists, choir and orchestra vividly expresses Goethes dramatic tale, set in the times of the Celts and their pagan rites.
Excellent performance by the stellar Gewandhausorchester Leipzig under Kurt Masur, and famous soloists Eberhard Büchner, Siegfried Lorenz and Annelies Burmeister.
As generous bonus we hear three Overtures by Mendelssohn: Die schöne Melusine, Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt and the Overture in C, testimonies of Mendelssohn's remarkable genius for the perfect balance between form and content.
Booklet provides liner notes in English and German.