Seattle Symphony takes on Mendelssohn's ambitious 'Lobgesang'

It's fitting that a man as industrious as German composer Felix Mendelssohn would write not one, but two pieces of music celebrating the anniversary of the printing press.

The invention of modern book printing by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century was key to the subsequent evolution, and broad dissemination, of Western thought and culture.

Throughout a career that began in his teens and ended with his death in 1847 at age 38, Mendelssohn was himself an influential and progressive artist (historian Ted Libbey says "in some ways [he was] the father of musical Impressionism").

Mendelssohn was also a popular conductor who established precedents, still in use, for successful, seasonlong programming of orchestral performances.

Marking the 400th anniversary of the printing press, Mendelssohn composed the Festgesang (Gutenberg Cantata) for male chorus, brass orchestra and timpani, which premiered in Leipzig in 1840. His more ambitious Gutenberg piece, the Symphony No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 52, was written the same year for orchestra, chorus and vocal soloists.

Better known as "Lobgesang" (or "Hymn of Praise"), Symphony No. 2 celebrates an early crowning achievement of the first press: multiple printings of the exquisite Gutenberg Bible (of which 21 still exist).

Rarely heard, "Lobgesang" will be performed this week by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Chorale and three guest singers under the baton of SSO music director Gerard Schwarz.

"The 'Lobgesang' is a choral symphony," says Schwarz. "Beethoven's Ninth [completed in 1824] was the first. After Beethoven died, everyone was afraid of composing choral symphonies that would be compared to it. But Mendelssohn went ahead and did something unique. The first three movements are purely instrumental. After that, it's a whole other world. It's among his most beautiful pieces."

That "other world" has nine movements for chorus and/or soloists (sung in German) and orchestra. Translated into English, the titles of the movements (e.g., "The Night is Departing") suggest deeply felt meditations on praise, faith and despair.

Schwarz says Seattle Symphony has some history with "Lobgesang," having recorded it 15 years ago. He is especially excited to be working with his trio of soloists: tenor Vinson Cole, who last performed with the symphony in September 2008 on the colossal production of Mahler's Symphony No. 8; Grammy-winning soprano Christine Goerke; and soprano Holli Harrison, grand prize winner of the 2006 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Also on the bill are three orchestral excerpts from Wagner's last opera, "Parsifal," including preludes to Acts One and Three, as well as the "Good Friday Spell." Schwarz says he wrote some transitional music to bridge the selections.

"They're very beautiful heard together," says Schwarz, "and this is a Wagner town."

One hour before Thursday's and Saturday's performances, Jill Becker, Seattle Symphony's publications and marketing coordinator, will present a talk, "Mendelssohn's Hymn of Praise."

Tom Keogh: tomwkeogh@yahoo.com