Mendelssohn was initially reluctant to compose the 'Ruy Blas' Overture because he found Victor Hugo's play 'quite horrible and beneath all dignity'.
Composer Biography
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, the composer, was only fifteen years old when he composed his Symphony No. 1 in C minor in 1824.
Composition History
Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 1 was originally numbered 'No. XIII' by the composer, placing it in the context of his earlier twelve string symphonies.
Composition History
Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4, known as the 'Italian' Symphony, was inspired by his journey to Italy in 1830, where he aimed to create a 'musical travelogue'.
Performer Biography
Andrew Litton, the conductor, became the first American principal conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in 2003.
Performer Biography
The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, featured on this recording, was founded in 1765, making it one of the world's oldest orchestras.
Critical Reception
After its London premiere, the English music periodical The Harmonicon predicted that Mendelssohn would be considered the 'fourth' great composer after Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.
