Andrew Manze completes his Mendelssohn cycle with the sprawling but oddly lovable cantata-symphony Lobgesang. This may be the triumph of the set for Manze, not least given the size of the undertaking in comparison to the four purely instrumental symphonies. He has a keen appreciation of the architecture of the work, never allowing it to dawdle, especially in the sung second section, where introspection can often turn to ponderousness.

Unlike the previous instalments (6/17, 5/18), this one was taken live at NDR Hanover’s large studio. That could account for some lapses of string unanimity, in the first movement especially, which might have been retaken in more clinical studio conditions. That’s a minor issue, though, and in general the playing has a strength of purpose that is matched by the singing of the joint NDR and WDR choirs.

Nevertheless, comparisons are telling, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin, also live, draws remarkable focus from the violins of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Manze’s soloists, too, sing more in ‘oratorio’ style than Nézet-Séguin’s trio, for whom dramatic presentation is paramount. The great ‘Nun danket’ chorale distils more mystery in Paris than in Hanover: there’s a particular ‘liveness’ to YNZ’s bass instruments that powers the music with a great deal of expectancy, not to mention particularly perky, juicy clarinets. But then, that’s why Nézet-Séguin’s cycle was Recording of the Month and nominated for a Gramophone Award.

If you’ve been collecting Manze’s Mendelssohn, this is a fine companion to the other two discs and will provide plenty of listening pleasure. But if you already have Yannick (or Gardiner, Gardner or Fey, among recent competitors), that should already be ample.