Mendelsssohn's Reformation Symphony is easily my favorite of the five.
Not being a significant Mendelssohn fan, that simply means that I like
the work.

Anyways, the best Reformation I've heard is the new Gardiner on DG with
modern instruments.  The Vienna Philharmonic plays beautifully, fast, and
poetically.  On this disc, the main entree is the original and revised
versions of the Italian Symphony.  Again, conductor and orchestra are
excellent; I almost am at the point of liking this symphony and consider
Gardiner responsible.

Those who love Mendelssohn might well find my taste in this repertoire odd
or perverse, but that revised version of the Italian should pique their
interest.  Those not thrilled with his music could find that Gardiner
points the way to success.  Give it a shot.

Don Satz
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