Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 2 "Lobgesang"

This is a triumphant climax to a symphony cycle that has opened many ears to Mendelssohn. Drawing playing of litheness and flexibility from the London Symphony Orchestra, who have quite a Mendelssohn tradition of their own, Gardiner treats us to a performance of lightness, grace and total conviction. Needless to say, his Monteverdi Choir sings magnificently and his well-balanced trio of soloists steers well clear of sentimentality. This noble symphony appears new-minted in this fine version.