Felix Mendelssohn - 5. The Rise, Fall and Rise of Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) Episode 5 of 5: The Rise, Fall and Rise of Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn had a remarkable, if brief career, cut short at the age of just 38 in 1847. He was born into an exceptional family. His grandfather Moses was a much respected Jewish philosopher, while his father Abraham, a wealthy Jewish banker and his mother Lea, a cultivated, musical woman had the standing and means to provide their four children with every opportunity Berlin society could offer. Only a handful of composers can match Mendelssohn's precocious talent. A child prodigy, famously likened by his friend Robert Schumann to Mozart, Felix's public career began at the age of 9. Between the ages of 11 and 15, he wrote 13 strings symphonies, 5 concertos, 4 operas, chamber music, piano and organ pieces, solo songs and choral pieces. Across the week Donald explores the musical treasures inspired by these formative years.
After spending the week in the company of the young Mendelssohn, in the final chapter of his survey, Donald Macleod looks at the rather bumpier ride Mendelssohn's reputation was given in the years after his death, before the reassessment he's enjoying in our own century.
00:01 Felix Mendelssohn Hear My Prayer - Hymn For Soprano, Chorus And Organ- O for the wings of a dove (Aria) Choir: Temple Church Choir. Singer: Ernest Lough.
00:06 Felix Mendelssohn Trio No. 1 In D Minor Op.49 For Piano And Strings - Molto allegro agitato Ensemble: Florestan Piano Trio.
00:18 Felix Mendelssohn Concerto In E Minor Op.64 For Violin And Orchestra Performer: James Ehnes. Conductor: Vladimir Davidovich Ashkenazy. Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
00:46 Felix Mendelssohn 1st movement; Allegro vivace assai - Quartet No. 6 In F Minor Op.80 For Strings Ensemble: Elias Quartet.
00:54 Felix Mendelssohn Lieder Ohne Worte - Book 3 Op.38 - no.6; Duett in A flat major Performer: Murray Perahia.
00:57 Felix Mendelssohn Lieder Ohne Worte - Book 6 Op.67 - no.4; Presto in C major (Spinnerlied/The bee's wedding) Performer: Murray Perahia.
First broadcast: 14 Mar 2014 (b03x1gp4) http://vk.com/wall-71199334_78