Album

Mendelssohn Discoveries, with the Gewandhausorchester, under the direction of Riccardo Chailly, is an album that fully delivers on the promise of its title. The biggest discovery is the composer's "Third" Piano Concerto, reconstructed and completed by Marcello Bufalini, and played by Roberto Prosseda. It may not be top-drawer Mendelssohn, much less in the same league as the two "official" Concertos, but it is still a charming work, with a lovely central Andante and a characteristically propulsive closing Allegro brilliante. Prosseda performs it with the necessary wit, energy, and affection.

The other two works are somewhat smaller discoveries: the 1842 London version of the Scottish Symphony, with a drastically different first movement coda, and the 1830 Rome version of the Hebrides Overture, with a subtly different transition back into the main tempo. Perhaps the biggest surprise is how much sheer ferocity Chailly and the Gewandhausorchester bring to the works. Attacks are sharp and swift, with the brass given the lead, and lines are lean, rhythms tight, and tempos on the quick side. There have been other aggressive recordings of the Scottish Symphony as far back as Peter Maag's version with the London Symphony, but listeners may still be taken aback by the vehemence of Chailly's interpretation.

Decca's digital sound is colorful and brilliantly vivid.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide

CD 1
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Composer Symphony No.3 in A- ('Scottish'), Op.56 Work Recorded 2009 37:15 Gewandhaus Orchestra Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly Conductor
1	1.Andante con moto. Allegro un poco agitato	14:34			$2.49
2	2.Scherzo: Vivace non troppo	4:11			$0.99
3	3.Adagio cantabile	8:34			$1.49
4	4.Allegro vivacissimo. Allegro maestoso assai	9:02			$1.49
5	Opening Sketch of 'Scottish' Symphony	0:54			$0.49
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Composer Piano Concerto in E- Work Recorded 2009 20:56 Gewandhaus Orchestra Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly Conductor, Roberto Prosseda Piano
6	1.Allegro	10:04			$1.99
7	2.Andante	6:05			$0.99
8	3.Allegro brillante	4:47			$0.99
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Composer The Hebrides: Overture in B- ('Fingal's Cave'), Op.26 Work Recorded 2006 Gewandhaus Orchestra Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly Conductor
9	The Hebrides: Overture in B- ('Fingal's Cave'), Op.26	11:25			$1.99