Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

ca. 1840

Publication Date

:

1841

First Performance

:

Jun 25, 1840

Average_duration

:

62:57

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 52, also known as the "Lobgesang" or "Hymn of Praise," was composed between 1839 and 1840. It was premiered on June 25, 1840, in Leipzig, Germany, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. The symphony is divided into three movements, with the first and last movements being instrumental and the second movement featuring a choral section. The first movement, marked "Allegro," begins with a majestic fanfare played by the brass section, followed by a lively and energetic theme played by the strings. The second movement, marked "Scherzo," features a lively and playful melody played by the woodwinds, with the choral section joining in towards the end of the movement. The final movement, marked "Allegro molto," is a triumphant and joyful celebration of praise, with the choral section singing a hymn of thanksgiving and the orchestra providing a grand and majestic accompaniment. One of the most notable characteristics of Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 is its use of choral sections, which was a departure from the traditional symphonic form of the time. The choral sections add a sense of grandeur and celebration to the work, and the use of a hymn-like melody in the final movement gives the symphony a sense of religious reverence. Overall, Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 is a masterful work that showcases his skill as a composer and his ability to blend different musical elements into a cohesive and powerful whole. Its premiere was a great success, and it has since become one of Mendelssohn's most beloved works.

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