What to look forward to today at Song of Praise! Mendelssohn composed and premiered his Lobgesang in 1840, for the 400th anniversary celebration of the invention of printing. Even though it was published as his 2nd symphony, it was the 4th of his five symphonies and one can’t help but hear the influence of Beethoven’s remarkable choral-based Symphony No. 9. The Lobgesang is also reminiscent of Mendelssohn’s earlier Resurrection Symphony, with use of liturgical-style trombones in key roles, biblical texts, references to Bach chorales, and intricate counterpoint. In its day, Lobgesang was a wildly popular work, while today it is seldom – if ever – performed. Its strong message of celebration and thanksgiving are a perfect harkening to the new spring season, the first collaboration between EMSO and the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, and a stunning conclusion to EMSO’s 2013-2014 season.
Posted on: Sun, 04 May 2014 18:08:40 +0000