Violin Concerto (Mendelssohn)
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Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64, is a famous violin concerto. It was composed between 1838 and 1844, and performed in Leipzig on 13 March 1845. It is one of the most frequently performed of any violin concerti, along with its more grandiose counterparts by Brahms and Beethoven. Its enduring popularity is based on its beautiful themes, sleek form, ambient energy,and a reserved, sentimental expression, and to a lesser extent, its reputation as an essential work for all aspiring violin virtuosi to conquer.
It is in three movements, in agreement with the classical format. However, new ideas of unity have been imposed. The three movements are to be played without pause, and a reference back to the first movement occurs in the second, suggesting cyclical form.
The three movments are:
- Allegro molto appassionato -
- Andante -
- Allegretto non troppo
A typical performance of Mendelssohn's concerto lasts around 25 minutes. The first being around 15 min., the second 4 min., and the third 6 min..
Quotes
- In 1906, the year before his death, celebrated violinist Joseph Joachim told the guests at a party in his honour:
"The Germans have four violin concertos. The greatest is Beethoven's. The one by Brahms comes close to Beethoven's in its seriousness. Max Bruch wrote the richest and most enchanting of the four. But the dearest of them all, the heart's jewel, is Mendelssohn's."