Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) String Symphony No. 8 in D major (1822) 00:00 - Adagio e grave. Allegro 07:25 - Adagio 12:09 - Menuetto 16:53 - Allegro molto Performed by the Northern Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Nicholas Ward. "There is a solemn introduction to the String Symphony No. 8 in D major, the mood changing with the major Allegro, in the expected tripartite form, handled with a mature confidence worthy of Mozart. The Adagio makes use of three solo violas, cello and double bass, with dark-hued colouring that recalls the great two-viola G minor Quintet of Mozart in its sonorities. The mood is lightened by the cheerful Minuet, with its contrasting Trio. There is a Mozartian finale, providing, in its inspired fugal counterpoint, a brilliant conclusion." - Keith Anderson Painting: Soap Bubbles, Johann Melchior Würsch