Time 19:00
Witold Lutosławski Concert Studio of Polish Radio, Modzelewskiego 59 in Warsaw
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Symphony No. 2 in B-flat major Op. 52 “Lobgesang” is the longest of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy’s works in this genre; it is also the richest in various means of expression. The composition was created in 1840 for the exuberant celebration of the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg’s invention in Leipzig. Since the Bible was the first book ever to be printed, Mendelssohn chose its texts for his symphony-cantata. Although, following Beethoven’s example, he introduced singers – soloists and a choir – into the composition, he treated this work not so much as a simple reference to the Symphony No. 9 by the master from Bonn, but as an opportunity for highly personal expression contained within the original musical form.
Lobgesang, or Song of Worship, begins with a three-part orchestral passage, which, in accordance with the composer’s intention, is a prayer sung by the instruments. It is followed by nine vocal-instrumental parts, whose textual layer is built on excerpts from the Bible, mainly from the Book of Psalms. The composer leads the listener through the meanders of faith towards the victory of light over darkness.
The Soloists, Chorus, Chamber Choir, and the Orchestra of the Polish Royal Opera conducted by David Runtz will perform this outstanding work to celebrate the fifth anniversary of our institution.
PROGRAM
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy – Symphony No. 2 in B-flat major Op. 52 „Lobgesang”
Sinfonia
Alles was Odem hat lobe den Herrn (soprano, choir)
Saget es, die ihr erlöst seid durch den Herrn (tenor)
Sagt es, die ihr erlöst seid vor dem Herrn (choir)
Ich harrete des Herrn (2 sopranos, choir)
Strick des Todes hatten uns umfangen (soprano, tenor)
Die Nacht ist vergangen (choir)
Nun danket alle Gott (choir)
Drum sing’ ich mit meinem Liede (soprano, tenor)
Ihr Völker! bringet her dem Herrn Ehre und Macht (choir)
PERFORMERS
OLGA PASIECZNIK I SOPRANO
MARTA BOBERSKA II SOPRANO
RAFAŁ BARTMIŃSKI TENOR
THE ORCHESTRA OF THE POLISH ROYAL OPERA
THE CHORUS OF THE POLISH ROYAL OPERA
THE CHAMBER CHOIR OF THE POLISH ROYAL OPERA
JAKUB SZAFRAŃSKI CHORUS MASTER
RENATA SZCZYPIOR CHOIR MASTER
DAWID RUNTZ CONDUCTOR
Duration: approx. 1 h 5 min
