Felix Mendelssohn

Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) was a prodigious German composer, pianist, organist, and conductor, whose elegant and lyrical music bridged the Classical and Romantic eras. Renowned for his refined craftsmanship, melodic grace, and formal clarity, Mendelssohn maintained a strong connection to Classical traditions while infusing his works with the expressive warmth and imaginative spirit of Romanticism.

Mendelssohn's key achievements are vast and diverse. He is celebrated for his vibrant and imaginative orchestral works, including his iconic overture to Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, which he composed at just 17, and his "Scottish" and "Italian" Symphonies, which showcase his masterful orchestration and evocative programmatic elements. His Violin Concerto in E minor is a beloved staple of the repertoire, known for its seamless flow and brilliant lyricism. As a pianist, he composed numerous piano works, from the charming Songs Without Words to more substantial sonatas and preludes and fugues, demonstrating both his virtuosity and his poetic sensibility. Beyond composition, Mendelssohn was a pivotal figure in the revival of J.S. Bach's music, notably conducting the first modern performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion in 1829, which brought Bach's genius back into public consciousness. His work as a conductor and educator also significantly shaped 19th-century musical life.

Mendelssohn's musical language was deeply rooted in the Classical tradition, particularly influenced by the clarity, balance, and formal perfection of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the contrapuntal mastery of Johann Sebastian Bach. He meticulously studied Bach's works, which profoundly informed his own sophisticated counterpoint and formal structures. The lyrical elegance of early Romantic composers like Carl Maria von Weber also played a role in shaping his melodic style. Despite his admiration for these masters, Mendelssohn developed a distinctive voice characterised by its lightness, transparency, and often elfin quality. In turn, Mendelssohn's elegant style, lyrical melodies, and refined orchestration influenced a wide array of later composers. His approach to program music, blending vivid imagery with classical forms, impacted figures like Robert Schumann and Carl Reinecke. His clear textures and emphasis on melodic beauty resonated with many, and his work in reviving Bach's music had a monumental impact on the historical awareness and performance practices of subsequent generations, influencing virtually every composer who followed.

Major Works of Felix Mendelssohn:

Orchestral Works:

  • Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 21 (1826)
  • Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56, "Scottish" (1842)
  • Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, "Italian" (1833)
  • The Hebrides Overture (Fingal's Cave), Op. 26 (1830)

Concertos:

  • Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 (1844)
  • Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25 (1831)

Oratorios:

  • St. Paul, Op. 36 (1836)
  • Elijah, Op. 70 (1846)

Piano Music:

  • Songs Without Words (8 volumes, Opp. 19, 30, 38, 53, 62, 67, 85, 102)
  • Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14 (1830)
  • Variations sérieuses, Op. 54 (1841)

Chamber Music:

  • Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 (1825)
  • Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49 (1839)

Sacred Music:

  • Hear My Prayer (1844) (features "O for the Wings of a Dove")