Mendelssohn’s Second Symphony

Mendelssohn's Second Symphony premiered in 1840 to celebrate the quadricentennial of Gutenberg's invention of the printing press, and Mendelssohn called it his "symphony-cantata." Comparing the piece to Beethoven's Ode to Joy, composer and critic Robert Schuman wrote, "The work was enthusiastically received, and its choral numbers especially must be counted among the master's freshest and most delightful creations." Tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra plays the piece. Performances repeat on Saturday night at 8 and Sunday afternoon at 3. Consult the orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)