15.3 Mendelssohn's symphonic style and notable works
7 min read•july 29, 2024
Mendelssohn's symphonies masterfully blend Classical forms with Romantic expressiveness, creating a unique style that bridges two musical eras. His works showcase traditional structures while incorporating emotional depth and , setting a precedent for later Romantic composers.
Mendelssohn's orchestration is vivid and imaginative, featuring expressive woodwinds, dramatic brass, and lush strings. His melodies are lyrical and memorable, often incorporating contrapuntal techniques and extramusical associations that reflect the Romantic interest in storytelling through music.
Mendelssohn's Symphonic Style
Blending Classical and Romantic Elements
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- Mendelssohn's symphonies blend Classical forms and clarity with Romantic expressiveness and programmatic elements, bridging the two eras
- His works showcase a mastery of traditional forms (sonata form, four-movement structure) while incorporating of emotional expression and extramusical associations
- This fusion of Classical and Romantic elements set a precedent for later composers in the Romantic era (Schumann, Brahms, Tchaikovsky)
Orchestration and Melodic Characteristics
- Mendelssohn's symphonies feature vivid orchestration, including prominent use of woodwinds and brass, and imaginative scoring for strings
- Woodwinds often play expressive melodic lines and provide colorful timbres
- Brass instruments are used for dramatic effect and to add weight to climactic moments
- String writing showcases Mendelssohn's skill in creating lush textures and expressive lines
- His melodies are often lyrical, expressive, and memorable, with a strong sense of lyricism and songlike quality
- Melodies are frequently given to the strings or woodwinds, highlighting their singing quality
- Memorable themes contribute to the emotional impact and accessibility of his symphonies
Contrapuntal Techniques and Extramusical Associations
- Mendelssohn frequently employs contrapuntal techniques, such as fugal passages and imitative textures, showcasing his mastery of counterpoint
- Fugal sections demonstrate his ability to weave multiple melodic lines together in a complex yet clear manner
- Imitative textures create a sense of dialogue between instruments or sections of the orchestra
- His symphonies often incorporate extramusical associations, such as literary or geographical references, reflecting the Romantic interest in programmatic music
- Literary references (Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream in the ) add narrative elements to the music
- Geographical references (Scotland in No. 3, Italy in Symphony No. 4) evoke a sense of place and atmosphere
Formal Structure in Mendelssohn's Symphonies
Adherence to Classical Forms
- Mendelssohn's symphonies generally adhere to the traditional four-movement structure established in the Classical era
- Fast opening movement (usually in sonata form)
- Slow movement (often lyrical and expressive)
- Minuet or scherzo (light, agile, and playful)
- Fast finale (energetic and triumphant)
- His opening movements often follow sonata form, featuring a clear exposition, development, and recapitulation of themes, with a strong sense of tonal structure and harmonic progression
- Exposition presents main themes in contrasting key areas
- Development explores and transforms thematic material
- Recapitulation restates themes in the home key, providing a sense of resolution
Expressive Slow Movements and Lively Scherzos
- Mendelssohn's slow movements are often lyrical and expressive, featuring beautiful melodies and rich harmonies, sometimes with a sense of nostalgia or introspection
- Slow movements provide a contrast to the fast outer movements and showcase Mendelssohn's gift for melodic writing
- Expressive harmonies and modulations contribute to the emotional depth of these movements
- His scherzo movements are known for their lightness, agility, and elfin-like quality, often featuring fast tempos, staccato articulations, and playful rhythms
- Scherzos inject a sense of humor and whimsy into the symphonies
- Fast tempos and intricate rhythms showcase the technical skill of the orchestra
Thematic Unity and Cyclic Structure
- Mendelssohn often employs thematic transformation and cyclic unity, where themes from earlier movements reappear or are developed in later movements, creating a sense of coherence and unity throughout the symphony
- Thematic recall helps to tie the movements together and create a sense of narrative or emotional arc
- Cyclic structure was an innovation that influenced later Romantic composers (Berlioz, Liszt)
- His finales are typically energetic and triumphant, often incorporating contrapuntal techniques and bringing the symphony to a satisfying conclusion
- Finales provide a sense of resolution and closure to the symphonic journey
- Contrapuntal passages showcase Mendelssohn's technical mastery and add complexity to the musical texture
Mendelssohn's Influence on Romanticism
Establishing the Symphony as a Central Genre
- Mendelssohn's symphonies played a significant role in establishing the symphony as a central genre of the Romantic era, alongside works by composers such as Schumann, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky
- His successful integration of Classical forms with Romantic expressiveness and programmatic elements served as a model for later composers
- The popularity and critical acclaim of his symphonies helped to elevate the genre's status and inspire others to contribute to the symphonic repertoire
Innovations in Orchestration and Programmatic Music
- Mendelssohn's vivid orchestration and imaginative use of instrumental colors influenced the development of orchestral writing in the Romantic era, with composers seeking to create more colorful and expressive soundscapes
- His use of woodwinds, brass, and strings in distinctive ways expanded the palette of orchestral timbres
- Later composers (Wagner, Strauss) built upon Mendelssohn's innovations in orchestration to create even more lush and complex orchestral textures
- His incorporation of extramusical associations and literary or geographical references in his symphonies contributed to the growing trend of programmatic music in the Romantic era
- The success of his 'Scottish' and 'Italian' symphonies encouraged other composers to explore the possibilities of musical storytelling and evocation of specific places or ideas
- Programmatic symphonies became a significant subgenre in the Romantic era (Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, Liszt's Faust Symphony)
Technical Mastery and Compositional Craft
- Mendelssohn's technical mastery, particularly his use of counterpoint and thematic development, set a high standard for symphonic composition and inspired later composers to strive for similar levels of craftsmanship
- His skillful integration of fugal passages and imitative textures demonstrated the continued relevance of contrapuntal techniques in the Romantic era
- The coherence and unity of his symphonies, achieved through thematic transformation and cyclic structure, provided a template for later composers to follow
- His ability to balance Classical form with Romantic expression served as a model for composers seeking to reconcile tradition with innovation
- Mendelssohn's symphonies demonstrated that the Classical forms could still be used effectively in the Romantic era, while allowing for greater emotional depth and programmatic content
- This balance of form and expression influenced the symphonic works of composers such as Schumann, Brahms, and Dvořák
'Scottish' vs 'Italian' Symphonies
Symphony No. 3 'Scottish'
- was inspired by Mendelssohn's travels to Scotland and incorporates musical references to Scottish folk music and landscapes, reflecting the Romantic fascination with national identity and the picturesque
- The opening movement features a brooding, mysterious atmosphere, evocative of the Scottish highlands
- The finale incorporates a lively Scottish reel, demonstrating Mendelssohn's ability to integrate folk elements into his symphonic writing
- The symphony's programmatic elements and evocation of a specific place and culture set a precedent for later Romantic composers who sought to capture the essence of different nations and regions in their music
- The use of folk-inspired melodies and rhythms to evoke a sense of place became a common feature in Romantic symphonies (Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 'From the New World')
- The 'Scottish' Symphony's success encouraged other composers to look to literature, landscapes, and national identities for inspiration
Symphony No. 4 'Italian'
- Symphony No. 4 'Italian', inspired by Mendelssohn's travels to Italy, captures the vibrant spirit and sunny atmosphere of the country, with its buoyant rhythms, singing melodies, and joyful character
- The opening movement is filled with energy and vitality, evoking the bustling streets and lively culture of Italy
- The famous saltarello finale is a whirling, exuberant dance that showcases Mendelssohn's skill in evoking national styles and rhythms
- The 'Italian' Symphony exemplifies Mendelssohn's ability to create vivid musical portraits of places and cultures, and his success in integrating extramusical elements into the symphonic form
- The symphony's evocation of Italian life and culture through its melodies, rhythms, and overall character influenced later composers who sought to capture the essence of different nations in their music (Tchaikovsky's Capriccio Italien)
- The 'Italian' Symphony's popularity helped to establish the idea of the "travelogue" symphony, in which composers could share their impressions of different countries and cultures through music
Significance and Legacy
- Both the 'Scottish' and 'Italian' symphonies showcase Mendelssohn's distinctive style and his ability to integrate extramusical elements into the symphonic form, setting a precedent for later programmatic symphonies in the Romantic era
- The success of these works encouraged other composers to explore the possibilities of musical storytelling and the evocation of specific places, cultures, and atmospheres
- The 'Scottish' and 'Italian' symphonies remain among Mendelssohn's most popular and frequently performed works, a testament to their enduring appeal and significance in the orchestral repertoire
- The two symphonies also demonstrate Mendelssohn's role as a cultural ambassador, using music to bridge different nations and cultures and to promote understanding and appreciation of diverse musical traditions
- Mendelssohn's travels and his incorporation of foreign musical elements into his symphonies reflect the Romantic ideal of the composer as a cosmopolitan figure, able to transcend national boundaries and connect with audiences across Europe
- The 'Scottish' and 'Italian' symphonies helped to establish Mendelssohn's reputation as a leading figure in the Romantic movement, and their success contributed to the spread of Romantic ideals and aesthetics throughout Europe
Key Terms to Review (20)
19th-century musical landscape: The 19th-century musical landscape refers to the diverse and evolving musical styles, practices, and cultural influences that characterized the music scene during this period, particularly in Europe and North America. This era saw the rise of new genres, such as Romanticism, which emphasized emotion and individual expression, while also witnessing the expansion of public concerts, music education, and the professionalization of musicians. The interplay between various artistic movements and societal changes significantly shaped the musical output of composers like Mendelssohn.
Classical traditions: Classical traditions refer to the established musical practices and styles that emerged during the Classical period, particularly characterized by clarity, balance, and formality. These traditions were foundational in shaping the symphonic style and compositional techniques of later composers, influencing how music was composed and performed. Understanding classical traditions is essential for analyzing the works of notable composers, as they often drew from these established norms while also innovating within them.
Concerto: A concerto is a musical composition typically for a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra, highlighting the contrast between the individual and the ensemble. This form became particularly popular during the transition from Baroque to Classical music, evolving in structure and style while reflecting changes in public performance and music criticism. The concerto serves as a bridge between the performer’s expression and the orchestra’s collective sound, showcasing the virtuosity of the soloist.
Conducting the Gewandhaus Orchestra: Conducting the Gewandhaus Orchestra refers to the role of a conductor leading one of the most prestigious orchestras in Germany, known for its rich history and significant contributions to classical music. The conductor not only shapes the interpretation of the music performed but also has a vital role in programming and establishing the artistic direction of the orchestra. This position is closely associated with influential composers and conductors, particularly Felix Mendelssohn, who is renowned for his innovative symphonic style and notable works during his tenure.
Early romantic period: The early romantic period refers to the artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century and continued into the mid-19th century, characterized by an emphasis on emotion, individualism, and nature in the arts. This period marked a significant shift from the structured forms of classical music to more expressive and innovative styles, influencing composers to explore personal themes and create music that resonated with deeper emotional experiences.
Expressive dynamics: Expressive dynamics refers to the use of variations in volume and intensity in music to convey emotion and enhance the expressive quality of a piece. This concept plays a crucial role in shaping the listener's emotional experience, allowing composers and performers to communicate feelings and moods through dynamic contrast. The effective application of expressive dynamics can create moments of tension, release, and overall emotional depth in musical compositions.
First performance of the Italian Symphony: The first performance of the Italian Symphony was conducted by Felix Mendelssohn in 1833, showcasing his distinctive symphonic style influenced by the landscapes and culture of Italy. This work is notable for its lively rhythms, bright orchestration, and incorporation of Italian folk themes, reflecting Mendelssohn's fascination with the country during his travels. The symphony exemplifies the blending of Classical and Romantic elements in Mendelssohn's music, highlighting his ability to evoke emotion and picturesque imagery through orchestration.
Founder of the Leipzig Conservatory: The founder of the Leipzig Conservatory was Felix Mendelssohn, a prominent composer, conductor, and pianist in the early 19th century. Established in 1843, the conservatory was the first music school in Germany to provide formal training to aspiring musicians, emphasizing a blend of practical performance skills and academic study. Mendelssohn's vision for the conservatory was rooted in his belief that music education should be accessible and comprehensive, paving the way for future generations of musicians.
Friendship with Robert Schumann: The friendship between Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann was a significant relationship in the world of 19th-century music, marked by mutual admiration and artistic influence. Their connection not only fostered collaboration but also highlighted the contrasting musical styles that defined their compositions during this period. This bond played a crucial role in shaping Mendelssohn's symphonic style and contributed to his notable works, as it encouraged an exchange of ideas and a deeper understanding of Romanticism in music.
Influence on Johannes Brahms: The influence on Johannes Brahms refers to the impact of various composers, musical styles, and cultural movements on Brahms's development as a composer. This influence is particularly seen in his relationship with earlier figures like Mendelssohn, who shaped his approach to symphonic writing, orchestration, and melodic structure. The interplay between Brahms's own innovations and the established traditions he admired led to a unique synthesis in his works that resonated with the Romantic period's aesthetic.
London premiere of Elijah: The London premiere of Elijah took place on August 26, 1846, at the Exeter Hall and marked the first public performance of Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio, which is based on the biblical story of the prophet Elijah. This event was significant as it showcased Mendelssohn's compositional style, blending symphonic elements with choral and vocal music, thus reinforcing his reputation as a leading composer in the Romantic era.
Lyrical melodies: Lyrical melodies are musical lines characterized by their singable, expressive, and often flowing nature. They evoke a sense of emotion and are designed to be memorable, drawing listeners in with their beauty. In the context of music from 1750 to 1850, these melodies often played a significant role in the development of symphonic and operatic works, showcasing composers' ability to convey feelings and narratives through their music.
Overture: An overture is an orchestral introduction to a larger musical work, often found at the beginning of operas, ballets, and symphonic poems. It serves to set the mood, introduce key themes, and prepare the audience for what is to come. In the context of symphonic style, overtures can also be standalone pieces, showcasing the composer's ability to craft engaging musical narratives.
Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream: The Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream is a concert overture composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1826, inspired by Shakespeare's play of the same name. This work is notable for its vibrant orchestration and thematic richness, capturing the whimsical and magical elements of the story. It showcases Mendelssohn's ability to blend symphonic form with dramatic narrative, reflecting his broader symphonic style and significant contributions to the Romantic era of music.
Programmatic elements: Programmatic elements refer to musical components that depict or suggest a narrative, scene, or specific idea outside of the music itself. This concept allows composers to weave stories or evoke imagery through instrumental music, enhancing the listener's experience and emotional connection. It often incorporates descriptive titles, thematic motifs, and structural choices that convey meaning beyond the notes on the page.
Rich orchestration: Rich orchestration refers to the lush and detailed way composers use instruments in an orchestra to create a full, vibrant sound. It involves skillful layering of musical lines and textures, allowing for emotional depth and complexity in the music. This technique is essential in conveying the dramatic and expressive qualities often found in operas, symphonies, and ballets from the late 18th to mid-19th century.
Romantic ideals: Romantic ideals refer to a set of beliefs and values that emerged during the Romantic era, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature as sources of inspiration in art and music. These ideals often contrasted with the rationalism of the Enlightenment, celebrating personal expression and the beauty of the natural world. In music, these ideals led composers to explore deeper emotional landscapes, resulting in works that were more expressive and evocative.
Symphony: A symphony is a large-scale musical composition for orchestra, typically structured in multiple movements, usually four, with an emphasis on harmony and thematic development. The symphony has evolved to become one of the central genres of the Classical music tradition, reflecting the social, cultural, and artistic changes from the late 18th to the early 19th century.
Symphony No. 3 'Scottish': Symphony No. 3 'Scottish' is a symphonic work by Felix Mendelssohn, composed between 1829 and 1842, inspired by his travels in Scotland and the landscapes he encountered. The piece embodies Mendelssohn's unique style, characterized by lyrical melodies, innovative orchestration, and a vivid sense of atmosphere, reflecting the early Romantic period's focus on national identity and emotional expression.
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1830, is often referred to as the "Italian Symphony" due to its inspiration from Mendelssohn's travels in Italy. This symphony exemplifies Mendelssohn's unique symphonic style, characterized by bright orchestration, rhythmic vitality, and lyrical themes. It reflects a blend of classical forms with Romantic expressiveness, showcasing Mendelssohn's ability to evoke the spirit of a place through music.