Felix Mendelssohn’s childhood precocity as a composer is regarded by many as exceeding that of Mozart – the works recorded here retain much of that sense of youthful inspiration and vitality. The ‘Italian’ Symphony is a model of exquisite balance between Classical and Romantic elements filled with warm lyrical charm reflecting a visit the composer made to Italy in 1830. From its solemn opening to a jubilant coda, the expressive world of the ‘Reformation’ Symphony derives largely from a dramatic use of famous hymn tunes. Unequalled as an evocation of atmosphere and mood, The Hebrides served as an example to the numerous tone poems that followed. These classic Vox recordings by the Baltimore Symphony are conducted by Sergiu Comissiona, the orchestra’s Romanian-born Music Director from 1969 to 1984, who forged it into one of America’s finest.

This 1974 Vox Audiophile Edition recording was first released in 1975 as LP cat. QTV-34604 (with a quadraphonic variant on QTV-S 34604), and in 1976 cat. QTV-34643. It also appeared as a Vox Cum Laude MMG release MCD10044 with just the two symphonies.

Mendelssohn’s ‘Italian’ Symphony has long been regarded as one of the most satisfying works in its genre, and with contrast from the deeper expression of the ‘Reformation’ Symphony and the supremely popular The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) this is a highly attractive programme in performances that for many collectors became a reference for this repertoire in its day.

‘Comissiona is an outstanding conductor who has brought the orchestra in Baltimore to a high degree of ensemble precision and tonal polish.’ – The New Records

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO), a leading American orchestra and Maryland’s cultural cornerstone, impacts lives through world-class music, community engagement, and music education.

Romanian-born conductor Sergiu Comissiona (1928–2005) took up his position in Baltimore as Music Director in 1969, raising the orchestra’s profile to one of national prominence and receiving widespread acclaim.

The Elite Recordings for Vox by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.