Album insights
In July 22, 1829, a twenty-year-old German composer departed from London heading north towards Scotland. Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, after a successful debut at the Philharmonic Society in London, embarked on a unique leisure activity—a walking tour through Scotland with a friend, armed with a pitchfork for folk melodies. They reached Edinburgh by the end of the month, where Mendelssohn was inspired by the scenic views of Arthur’s Seat and the historical sights at Holyrood Castle. The trip continued to the Borders region, visiting Abbotsford, the residence of Sir Walter Scott. Mendelssohn sketched the picturesque sights and sounds of their journey, translating them into musical notes.
Their travels through the Highlands led them to Oban on the West Coast, where Mendelssohn sketched Dunollie Castle and later ventured to the Isle of Mull. The composer's sensory experiences on the Hebrides led to the creation of the Overture, "The Fingal's Cave." This musical masterpiece captured the essence of the Scottish landscape and sea, intertwined with synesthetic imagery. Mendelssohn's journey to the Fingal's Cave on Staffa Island provided further inspiration for his work, despite experiencing seasickness during the excursion.
Months later in December 1830, far from the Scottish scenery, Mendelssohn completed the Overture in Rome. The evolution of this piece went through various revisions before being finalized and published in 1835. The Overture's interpretations range from being a musical reflection of Scottish landscapes to embodying elements from Sir Walter Scott's literary works and the Ossianic legends. Regardless of how one views it, Mendelssohn's Overture stands as a romantic masterpiece, distinct from his earlier conservative compositions.
Mendelssohn's musical journey continued with the creation of his famed Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64, a work that showcased his meticulous craftsmanship and musical innovation. The gradual development of this concerto over seven years culminated in its premiere in 1845. The construction of the concerto witnessed changes in traditional forms, such as the placement of the cadenza and the innovative introduction, setting a new standard that influenced subsequent composers.
Just as Mendelssohn's career evolved, from early conservative compositions influenced by his teachers to his mature works of romantic depth, each piece carried a unique imprint of his creative progression. This journey of artistic growth is evident in works like the Violin Concerto, where Mendelssohn's innovation and brilliance shine through, leaving a lasting impact on the musical landscape.