Unit 2: Mendelssohn and Violin Concerto in E Minor Flashcards
Dates
1809-1847
Life and Musical Career
Born in Hamburg, Germany
Grandfather was a respected rabbi and philosopher
Father was a merchant banker
Mother supervised the musical education
Had an old sister Fanny, who was a talented pianist and composer
Frequently traveled to European countries during his youth
Met Johann Wolfgang von Goethe at age 12; Franz Liszt, and Luigi Cherubini at age 16
Musical Style and Contributions
Roots of musical styles are in the 18th century
Was encouraged as a student to emulate the proven models of Bach, Handel, Haydn, and Mozart
Influenced by Bach’s counterpoint
Inherited a preference for balanced symmetrical phrases and clarity of texture from Mozart
Inspired by Beethoven’s linking movements
Genres and Titles
Symphony No. 3 (“Scottish”)
Symphony No. 4 (“Italian”)
Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream
V: Concerto
A multi-movement work for soloist and orchestra
Showcases virtuosity of soloist
In the 19th century, generally included a first movement in sonata form
V: Sonata form
Formal structure often used in first movement of a sonata cycle
Consists of exposition, development, and recapitulation
Also known as sonata-allegro form
V: Cadenza
A solo passage heard in a concerto, aria, or any large orchestral work
Often virtuosic, and suggests an improvised style
19th-century cadenzas were usually written by the composer
Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64: Genre
Violin concerto
Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64: Composition Date
1844
Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64: Structure
Three movements
Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64: Performing Forces
Solo violin and orchestra