Symphony No. 2 in B-flat or Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise), Op. 52 (complete): Cantata/ Oratorio, Orchestra Accompaniment, Conductor Score & Parts

Lobgesang demonstrates Mendelssohn at his most ambitious: a large-scale work that functions equally as symphony and sacred cantata, giving orchestras and choirs something substantial without requiring the full commitment of a multi-movement choral epic. The instrumental opening three movements alone offer rich repertoire for orchestras seeking more ambitious programming, while the complete version provides a natural focal point for collaborative choral and orchestral performances.

Mendelssohn's Lobgesang opens with soaring orchestral grandeur that feels both triumphant and intimate. The later choral movements bring warmth and affirmation without sentimentality, mixing nimble contrapuntal passages with moments of radiant unison that settle into the listener like hymn singing at its best.

Accomplished orchestras and choirs looking for a major work that bridges instrumental and vocal traditions. This score works for conductors who want to build from a successful orchestral performance into something larger, or who want a complete cantata that doesn't demand novelty from their musicians.

• Secure the brass section's rhythmic accuracy in the opening movements; the symphony's drive depends on the horns and trombones locking together through Mendelssohn's characteristic syncopations.
• Balance organ continuo and strings carefully so the keyboard supports harmonic clarity without obscuring the four-part choral writing in later movements.
• Work the soloists independently on their entrances before bringing them into full rehearsals; the three-part solo writing introduces technical demands that need individual attention.
• Establish a clear beat in the mixed chorus sections, particularly where homophonic passages shift to contrapuntal writing; Mendelssohn layers complexity quickly.

Program the instrumental movements as a standalone symphony if your choir is unavailable or if you want to test the work with orchestra alone first. The complete version works exceptionally well as a spring or festival concert centerpiece, particularly when tied to celebrations of education, progress, or community.

• Conducting layered instrumental textures across multiple choirs (woodwinds, brass, strings)
• Balancing rehearsed vocal soloists with ensemble chorus in a large-scale form
• Reading transposed cornet parts and adapting trumpet doubling
• Managing sustained phrasing and architectural control across 13 movements
• Integrating organ continuo aurally while maintaining independent orchestral voices