Composer Study: Mendelssohn

Engraving of Prince Albert performing on his organ in the Old Library in Buckingham Palace in presence of Queen Victoria and Felix Mendelssohn in 1842 by G. Durand.

Resources: Music and Book Links

Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11 (composed when Felix was 15 years old)  This recording is wonderful, and the orchestra is all young musicians, students of the Berlin Philharmonic Academy.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Overture, Op. 21 (composed when Felix was 17)

A selection from Incidental Music for the play "A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (written later, in 1843.) This music was later choreographed as a ballet, and this selection includes dancing, and the famous “Wedding March” 

Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave), Op. 26

This video has a wonderful explanation of the music, and the cave near the coast of Scotland that inspired Mendelssohn to compose it, with a map and photos.

Symphony No. 4 (Italian) in A Major, Op. 90

Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

Piano Music

Songs Without Words

This is quite a lot of music, two hours of beautiful solo piano playing! These pieces were written in eight cycles and were very popular during the composer's lifetime.

Choral Music

“Elijah” Op. 70, an Oratorio after the Old Testament story (sung in English): Part 1

“Elijah” Op. 70, an Oratorio after the Old Testament story (sung in English): Part 2

Resources for Children and Teens

For High School and Adults