Classics Collection: Felix Mendelssohn (2001)

One may quibble over some of the selections on St. Clair's 2000 compilation Classics Collection: Felix Mendelssohn, but it's hard to argue against the inclusion of the Symphony No. 4 in A major, "Italian," or the Violin Concerto in E minor, for these are undeniably among the greatest works of Mendelssohn's brief but astonishing career. As presented by the Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under Vassil Stefanov and featuring violinist Stoika Milanova in the concerto, these are enjoyable performances that make this CD one of ... Read More

One may quibble over some of the selections on St. Clair's 2000 compilation Classics Collection: Felix Mendelssohn, but it's hard to argue against the inclusion of the Symphony No. 4 in A major, "Italian," or the Violin Concerto in E minor, for these are undeniably among the greatest works of Mendelssohn's brief but astonishing career. As presented by the Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under Vassil Stefanov and featuring violinist Stoika Milanova in the concerto, these are enjoyable performances that make this CD one of the better titles in the label's uneven greatest-hits series. The Hebrides Overture also receives a fine rendition, so the first hour or so of this album is uninterrupted with any indifferent performances or tracks with dubious sound quality. But the last three selections are questionable choices, for few would consider the Spring Song, O For the Wings of a Dove, or Hark! The Herald Angels Sing as worthy filler, especially when excerpts from Mendelssohn's incidental music for A... Read Less