Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto receives its première performance in Leipzig with Ferdinand David as soloist.

Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, globally celebrated as **Felix Mendelssohn**, graced the world from February 3, 1809, to November 4, 1847. This extraordinary German figure was a true polymath of the early Romantic period, excelling as a composer, virtuoso pianist, organist, and conductor. His profound musical legacy continues to enchant audiences, marking him as one of the most beloved and influential **Romantic composers**.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Born into a prominent Jewish family, **Felix Mendelssohn** carried a rich intellectual heritage, being the grandson of the esteemed philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. Despite his ancestry, he was raised without formal religious instruction until the age of seven, at which point he was baptized as a Reformed Christian. From a remarkably young age, Felix was recognized as a genuine musical prodigy, his talents undeniable. Yet, his parents, keen to foster a well-rounded development, were cautious, choosing not to overtly capitalize on his exceptional gifts. Notably, musical brilliance ran deep within the family; his elder sister, Fanny Mendelssohn, also received an extensive musical education and proved herself to be an immensely talented composer and pianist in her own right. Tragically, some of her early songs were published under her brother's name, and her poignant *Easter Sonata* was even mistakenly attributed to him for a time after its rediscovery in the 1970s, highlighting the pervasive gender biases of the era even within progressive families.

A Flourishing Career and Lasting Influence

Reviving Bach and European Acclaim

Mendelssohn's career enjoyed swift and widespread success across Germany. One of his most significant contributions was spearheading a revival of interest in the music of **Johann Sebastian Bach**, a monumental figure whose works had fallen into relative obscurity. In 1829, Mendelssohn's masterful performance of Bach's *St Matthew Passion* was nothing short of a revelation, reigniting appreciation for Baroque genius and forever changing the course of classical music programming. His reputation blossomed as he embarked on extensive travels throughout Europe, captivating audiences as a composer, conductor, and soloist. His deep affection for Britain was evident through his ten visits, during which many of his most significant works received their world premieres, solidifying his international renown.

Conservative Vision and the Leipzig Conservatory

While celebrated for his lyrical melodies and impeccable craftsmanship, Mendelssohn's musical tastes were, for the most part, essentially conservative, setting him apart from more avant-garde contemporaries like Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Charles-Valentin Alkan, and Hector Berlioz. He championed a classical elegance and structural clarity within the Romantic idiom. This artistic philosophy was enshrined in the **Leipzig Conservatory**, a prestigious institution he founded, which subsequently became a bastion of this anti-radical, classically-informed outlook, shaping generations of musicians.

Re-evaluation and Modern Appreciation

Despite his towering achievements, Mendelssohn's reputation suffered a period of relative denigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This unfortunate decline was a confluence of changing musical tastes, which favored the more dramatic and revolutionary styles of composers like Wagner, and, tragically, the rising tide of antisemitism that sought to diminish his contributions. However, critical re-evaluation in later decades has triumphantly restored his creative originality and immense artistic merit to its rightful place. Today, **Felix Mendelssohn** is rightfully celebrated as one of the most popular and cherished **Romantic composers**, his music frequently performed and universally adored.

The Iconic Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

A Masterpiece Unveiled

Among his vast and varied output, the **Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64**, stands as **Felix Mendelssohn's** final concerto and a pinnacle of the violin repertoire. From its highly anticipated premiere, it was met with overwhelming acclaim and has since maintained its status as one of the most prominent and highly-regarded violin concertos ever composed. It occupies a central, indispensable place in the violin repertoire, recognized as an essential work for all aspiring concert violinists to master, often being one of the very first Romantic-era concertos they encounter. A typical, captivating performance of this masterwork usually runs for just under half an hour.

Collaborative Genesis and Innovation

The genesis of this beloved concerto began in 1838 when Mendelssohn first proposed the idea to his close friend, Ferdinand David, who then held the prestigious position of concertmaster of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Though conceived relatively quickly, the work took a meticulous six years to complete, finally premiering in 1845. During this extended creative period, Mendelssohn engaged in regular, insightful correspondence with David, whose invaluable suggestions and deep understanding of the violin profoundly shaped the concerto's final form. This work itself became one of the foremost **violin concertos** of the Romantic era and its innovative structure and expressive power proved highly influential on many subsequent composers.

Enduring Legacy and Recordings

While adhering to a standard three-movement, fast-slow-fast structure and traditional forms for each movement, Mendelssohn's **Violin Concerto** was remarkably innovative for its time, introducing several novel features. Distinctive aspects include the almost immediate, dramatic entrance of the solo violin at the very beginning of the work – a stark departure from the typical Classical-era concerto tradition of an extensive orchestral preview of the first movement's major themes. Furthermore, the concerto exhibits a through-composed form across its entirety, where the three movements are not only melodically and harmonically interconnected but also played *attacca*, meaning each movement immediately follows the previous one without any pauses, creating a seamless and immersive musical journey. This enduring masterpiece has been recorded by countless renowned violinists and remains a staple in concert halls and classical music competitions worldwide. Its historical significance is further cemented by the legendary recording by Nathan Milstein and the New York Philharmonic, which was released in 1948 as the very first LP record upon the format's groundbreaking introduction.

A Tapestry of Masterpieces: Mendelssohn's Diverse Works

Beyond his iconic **Violin Concerto**, **Felix Mendelssohn's** compositional genius spanned a breathtaking array of genres. His **orchestral music** includes the enchanting overture and incidental music for Shakespeare's *A Midsummer Night's Dream*, which famously contains the universally recognized "Wedding March." He left us with magnificent symphonies such as the vibrant *Italian Symphony* and the evocative *Scottish Symphony*, each painting vivid soundscapes. His profound spiritual side found expression in the powerful oratorios *St. Paul* and *Elijah*, the latter a towering achievement often compared to Handel's masterpieces. Other celebrated **orchestral music** includes the atmospheric overture *The Hebrides* (also known as *Fingal's Cave*). For chamber music enthusiasts, his exquisite **String Octet** remains a cornerstone of the repertoire. And for soloists, his beautiful **piano music**, particularly the exquisite collection known as **Songs Without Words**, are his most famous solo piano compositions, demonstrating his lyrical gifts in miniature. It is also Mendelssohn's soaring melody that provides the timeless tune for the beloved Christmas carol "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," a testament to his pervasive influence on Western musical culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Felix Mendelssohn

Who was Felix Mendelssohn?
**Felix Mendelssohn** was a celebrated German composer, pianist, organist, and conductor of the early Romantic period, renowned for his beautiful melodies, classical craftsmanship, and significant contributions to orchestral, choral, and chamber music.
When did Felix Mendelssohn live?
He lived from February 3, 1809, to November 4, 1847.
What are Felix Mendelssohn's most famous compositions?
Among his most famous works are the **Violin Concerto in E minor**, the incidental music for *A Midsummer Night's Dream* (including the "Wedding March"), the oratorio *Elijah*, the *Italian Symphony*, the *Scottish Symphony*, and his **Songs Without Words** for piano. He also composed the melody for "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
What was Mendelssohn's connection to Johann Sebastian Bach?
**Felix Mendelssohn** played a crucial role in the **Bach revival**. In 1829, he conducted a landmark performance of Bach's *St Matthew Passion*, which had largely been forgotten, sparking a renewed appreciation for Bach's genius.
Did Felix Mendelssohn have a famous sister?
Yes, his sister **Fanny Mendelssohn** Hensel was also an exceptionally talented composer and pianist, though her work was often overshadowed by her brother's fame during her lifetime.
What is the significance of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor?
His **Violin Concerto in E minor** is considered one of the greatest and most popular **violin concertos** ever written. It is a cornerstone of the violin repertoire, celebrated for its lyrical beauty, innovative structure (like the immediate solo entry and *attacca* movements), and its influence on subsequent composers.
What is the Leipzig Conservatory?
The **Leipzig Conservatory** is a prestigious music school founded by **Felix Mendelssohn** in 1843, which became an influential institution for musical education, particularly championing a more classically-informed approach to composition and performance during the Romantic era.