NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra / Thomas Hengelbrock
Elbphilharmonie Opening Festival
On the first Sunday after the official opening of the Elbphilharmonie, the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra presents another special concert: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s choral symphony »Lobgesang«. It was premiered in Leipzig in 1849, during the festivities commemorating the invention of book printing by Johannes Gutenberg 400 years earlier. It is a festive title, ideally suited for such an exceptional event.
»Lobgesang« celebrates the glory of God, the confidence in an unshakable faith – even in times of crisis – and it celebrates the enlightenment of Christianity – with references to the first printed words in the bible. »Lord, is the night over soon?« asks the tenor in a haunting phrase, to which the soprano and chorus answer: »The night is over!« In a double celebration, the Elbphilharmonie offers a grand array of musicians and singers that will demonstrate the exceptionally nuanced acoustics of the Grand Hall.
Mendelssohn’s singular work is in two parts. The first is structured like a classic symphony with a variety of instrumental shadings; the second part is in the form of an oratorio, exploring the full acoustical potential, from intimate solos to a massive choral finale.
The works that have been selected for the first half of the concert – compositions from Monteverdi to Britten – demonstrate the full sonic glory of the new concert space.
Performers
NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester
NDR Vokalensemble
Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Maria Bengtsson soprano
Hanna-Elisabeth Müller soprano
Alex Potter countertenor
Pavol Breslik tenor
conductor Thomas Hengelbrock
Programme
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Sinfonie Nr. 2 B-Dur op. 52 »Lobgesang«