Klarinet Archive - Posting 000069.txt from 1997/07

From: Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Mendelssohn Symphony #5 "Reformation"
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 1997 16:07:08 -0400

We had our first rehearsal of this piece (which I have not played before)
last night. The first, third and fourth movements are in C; the second
movement is in Bb. I found this rather curious and wonder if anyone had
any speculations (or actual facts!) regarding the choice of instruments.
I checked the library computer and it is op. 107, so would have been
composed after 1840. Also, it follows the 3rd "Scottish" and 4th
"Italian" symphonies, which are definitely Romantic in nature. I didn't
find the piece particularly inspiring or thrilling, esp. as compared to
the previous 2 works. The last movement is based on the Bach chorale "Ein
Feste Burg is unser Gott" (Cantata #80, the other work on the program). I
plan to do more research into this and listen to a recording over the
weekend, but would be interested to hear from anyone who has first-hand
experience with this piece.

Jacqueline Eastwood
University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
eastwooj@-----.edu