Violin Concerto (Mendelssohn)

The Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, by Felix Mendelssohn is one of the most popular and frequently performed violin concertos in the repertoire. Completed in 1844 and premiered in 1845, it marks a significant departure from the standard concerto form of the time.

History and Composition:

Mendelssohn began working on the concerto as early as 1838, corresponding extensively with his close friend, the violinist Ferdinand David, then concertmaster of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. David provided invaluable input on the violin's technical capabilities and idiomatic writing. The collaboration was crucial in shaping the concerto's virtuosic yet lyrical character.

The piece was initially intended for David, but delays and revisions prolonged its completion. Ultimately, David gave the premiere performance on March 13, 1845, in Leipzig. Mendelssohn, who was ill, did not conduct, and the premiere was led by Niels Gade.

Structure and Analysis:

The concerto is in three movements, played attacca (without a break):

• Allegro molto appassionato: This movement is characterized by its lyrical melodies, dramatic intensity, and unusual formal structure. Instead of the traditional orchestral exposition, the solo violin immediately introduces the main theme. A cadenza is placed before the recapitulation rather than at the end of the movement, a novel approach that further enhances the work's originality.

• Andante: A serene and song-like movement in C major, providing a stark contrast to the passionate opening. The oboe introduces the principal melody, which is then taken up by the violin.

• Allegretto non troppo – Allegro molto vivace: This movement, connected seamlessly to the Andante, is a lively and energetic finale in E major. It features a brisk and playful melody, showcasing the violinist's technical skills. The movement is often described as having a "fairy-like" quality, reminiscent of Mendelssohn's incidental music to Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Significance:

The Mendelssohn Violin Concerto is celebrated for its melodic beauty, structural innovation, and idiomatic writing for the violin. It broke with concerto conventions by placing the cadenza in an unexpected location and linking the movements together, creating a sense of continuous musical flow. Its accessibility and enduring popularity have secured its place as a cornerstone of the violin repertoire, influencing countless composers who followed.