Mendelssohn must be regarded as the composer who defanged minor-key music. Hardly anyone used minor keys as frequently, but at the same time so innocuously (with one big exception: the F minor string quartet). Each work on this disc adopts a minor key as its starting point, and in none of them does it make any difference as far as emotional depth or intensity of expression is concerned. This doesn’t mean that the music isn’t attractive or pleasing; it is that, and it’s also full of energy and charm. Given that the composer was just a kid, this is impressive stuff, certainly more interesting than Mozart’s early output.
These are also terrific performances: lively, graceful, immaculately played–and the music never finds Marriner in over his depth. John Ogdon also makes a sympathetic soloist in the Concerto for Piano and Strings, though the work obviously is not as interesting as the two later ones featuring full orchestra. Usually you find Mendelssohn’s string symphonies in complete sets, but this program offers an excellent opportunity to sample some of the finest of them at a very modest cost. For many listeners, I can certainly understand that one very well filled, well played, and well recorded disc will be enough. [9/19/2006]
