Mendelssohn composed twelve symphonies for string orchestra when he was just at confirmation age. The dogma chamber orchestra now presents this youthfully fresh music for the first time in its entirety on SACD.

Accompanied on this disc are the five solo concertos with string accompaniment which were written at the same time.

The Symphonies 1 to 3 mark the beginning, as well as the virtuoso Piano Concerto in A minor with Herbert Schuch on the piano. Even though the first three symphonies are short in duration throughout, it seems as if an irrepressible will to explore the expressive potential of the music is trying to break through.

The much larger piano concerto, on the other hand, is based on the contemporary virtuoso literature, including a breathtaking stretta in the final rondo.

The agile dogma chamber orchestra, led by Mikhail Gurewitsch from the concertmaster’s desk, is in top form here: far more than just accompanying, the ensemble lets the carefree nature of the music run its course, both concertante and symphonic.