Mendelssohn and Schubert by
Ars Musica In a letter dated July 30, 1838, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy promises his friend Ferdinand David a new work: “I would like to make a violin concerto for you before next winter; one in E minor is in my head, the beginning of which leaves me no rest!”. But it wasn't until the summer of 1844 that the child prodigy found the necessary time and tranquility to finish the work in Bad Soden. The violin concerto quickly gained a place in the cannon of great musical works: not only did it become one of the three great romantic violin concertos for violinists, but it also served as an example for a series of violin concertos that were subsequently composed by numerous composers.
The violin concerto has a strong advocate with international top soloist Carla Leurs.
Schubert's best-known symphonic work is unfinished. Or not? His Eighth Symphony, 'Unvollendete' has two completed movements plus a bonus of twenty bars. He sent those two parts as a thank you to a music association that made him an honorary member. Perhaps Schubert considered the symphony finished. The mystery will never be solved. But in all cases the Unvollendete is a majestic work full of inventive melodies.
The up-and-coming Ars Musica Orkest brings both composers together, but also accompanies three choral works by Mendelssohn.
Ars Musica Orchestra
Ars Musica Concert Choir
Ars Musica Choir School
Patrick van der Linden Conductor
Carla Leurs Violin
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, opus 64
Mendelssohn Psalm 55 (“Hör mein Bitten”) / Psalm 114 (“Da Israel aus Egypten zog”) / Verleih uns Frieden
Schubert Symphony 8 (“Unvollendete”)
