Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 in B-flat, the "Hymn of Praise," doesn't get played much: It lasts over an hour, it requires soloists and choir (making it a bit of a program-buster), and it follows an ungainly structure (three symphonic movements become a foundation for the vast cantata that follows).
Yet the finest moments of this symphony contain some glorious praise indeed, and these shone brightly in Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on Friday night thanks to conductor Jun Markl and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, sopranos Christine Goerke and Kishna Davis, tenor Anthony Dean Griffey and (especially) the Morgan State University Choir.
Jun Markl conducted the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
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Markl's reading emphasized this symphony's clear textures, well-sprung rhythms and contrapuntal energy, and he drew committed playing from the BSO throughout. When the symphony blossomed into song, Markl made sure the music remained lucid as the sound expanded, and each of the soloists made characterful contributions, with Goerke soaring effortlessly into some thrilling high notes.
But the glory of this performance was the Morgan State University Choir. They entered with an overwhelming sound in the cantata's grand opening chorus, and navigated the tricky yet deeply expressive harmonies in the partially unaccompanied chorale with a gorgeous hushed tone.
-- Andrew Lindemann Malone
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