Composer: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Music: Violin Concerto in e minor Op.64
Performance: Anne-Sophie Mutter (violin), Herbert von Karajan (conductor), Berliner Philharmoniker, 1980/09 Stereo (DDD), Philharmonie, Berlin, DG
Analysis, Score Editing, Synch: ScoreMan

0:00 Movement 1: Allegro molto appassionato
13:58 Movement 2: Andante
23:23 Movement 3: Allegretto non troppo - Allegro molto vivace


HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Mendelssohn began planning this concerto in 1838 but completed it only in 1844. He composed it specifically for Ferdinand David, who also advised on technical aspects. Their collaboration resulted in a work that is both virtuosic and musically profound.

Unlike earlier concertos which often treated the soloist as ornamental, Mendelssohn’s concerto integrates the violin and orchestra in a more equal partnership. It also broke several traditions, making it a forward-thinking Romantic masterpiece.

STRUCTURE & ANALYSIS

I. Allegro molto appassionato (E minor)
Opening: Unusually, the solo violin begins the movement right away, without an orchestral introduction—a bold innovation at the time.
Themes: The first theme is passionate and urgent, the second more lyrical.
Development: Features dramatic interplay between soloist and orchestra.
Cadenza: Instead of placing the cadenza near the end as was customary, Mendelssohn inserts it before the recapitulation, and writes it out himself.
Mood: Passionate, restless, and emotionally intense.

II. Andante (C major)
Character: Gentle and song-like, this movement serves as a lyrical contrast.
Theme: Warm and flowing, resembling a Romantic lied (song).
Structure: Simple ternary form (ABA), with rich harmonic color.
Transition: Seamless connection into the third movement without pause (attacca), another innovative touch.

III. Allegro non troppo – Allegro molto vivace (E major)
Introduction: A brief mysterious passage that leads to the joyful final movement.
Character: Bright, light, and playful—resembling a lively dance or scherzo.
Virtuosity: Full of rapid runs, rhythmic brilliance, and sparkling dialogue between soloist and orchestra.
Mood: Joyful and exuberant; a triumphant conclusion in a major key.

MUSICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Musical innovations: Immediate solo entry, written-out cadenza, seamless transitions.
Emotional range: From passionate intensity to serene beauty to joyful brilliance.
Balance of form and feeling: Combines Classical clarity with Romantic expression.
Violin writing: Demanding yet idiomatic—Mendelssohn knew how to show off the instrument without empty flash.

LEGACY

One of the “Big Three” Romantic violin concertos (with Beethoven’s and Brahms’s).
Standard repertoire for every major violinist—performed by Heifetz, Oistrakh, Perlman, Hahn, and many more.
Frequently featured in films, concert halls, and recordings.