Gil Shaham and Sejong Soloists’ association extends back over a decade, the Haydn concerti and Mendelssohn Octet on this release benefiting from a US tour in April 2009 just prior to the recording sessions.
Haydn and Mendelssohn may not be obvious bedfellows but there is considerable synergy in the composers and this repertoire. Both Haydn’s C major and G major concerti date from the 1760s, still very much in his self proclaimed, “extended youthful period”, together with the fresh and adventurous nature of the Octet, composed when Mendelssohn was still just a teenager. Haydn and Mendelssohn also shared a certain financial freedom that seemed to propel both to new heights of inspiration.
Shaham and Sejong give this repertoire a sense of real intimacy, creating a magical intensity and engagement. The Haydn concerti display Shaham’s flawless technique and lyrical tone - communicating like few others can - and Sejong embrace his direction and Haydn’s intricacies magnificently.
Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat Major is arguably THE crown jewel of chamber music. In this recording, Gil Shaham combines aspects from Mendelssohn’s original manuscript version of the Octet, which saw him achieve instant fame, and the final published edition, the 2 versions being separated by 7 years and several revisions in between.
Here, for the first time, the modern music world is introduced to the youthful spirit with which Mendelssohn first brought this work to the world. Of particular significance is the considerably more lively tempi adopted from the original manuscript. Shaham and Sejong embrace and execute this with amazing clarity, the sound being lush and sumptuous yet with an amazing sense of intimacy.
This recording is one of those rare occasions where the ensemble and repertoire come together, the ultimate triumph being the blend and balance achieved by Shaham and Sejong to completely immerse the listener in the moment.
The insightful CD booklet annotations have been authored by Stephen Somary, Artistic Director of the Mendelssohn Project.
‘Shaham manages to combine extraordinary virtuosity with uncommon restraint ... The majestic sweep of the augmented quartet form was given full rein ... two powerful forces in the service of a higher cause.’ Santa Barbara Independent, Mendelssohn/Haydn Concert Review April 2009
