The symphonic cantata ‘Lobgesang’ (Hymn of praise) is Mendelssohn’s most ambitious commissioned work, which was first performed on 26 June 1840 in Leipzig’s Thomaskirche under the direction of the composer. The occasion was the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg.

Today this work and the setting of the Psalm 42 are seen as a successful example of the symphonic conception of Mendelssohn’s sacred music. The composer wanted to bridge the distance of concert hall and church.

The live recording marked the departure of Marcus Bosch as musical director of the city of Aachen, in addition, as of the 2011/2012 season he is music director of the city of Nuremberg.