Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, "Italian"
Felix Mendelssohn
Work background
Researched classical background
Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony reflects impressions from his travels without supplying a detailed narrative. The buoyant opening contrasts with a measured slow movement and a graceful third movement. The finale uses rapid Italian dance rhythms and ends in the minor mode despite the symphony's A-major title. The score's later revision history means its familiar concert form was not the composer's only version.
Inspiration and creative background
Mendelssohn's Italian travels and his correspondence establish the work's association with Italy.
Symphony No. 4, "Italian" - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Compare the opening's buoyancy with the relentless dance pulse of the minor-key finale.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1833 (first version)
Mendelssohn later revised portions; publication followed his death, and editions differ in the version presented.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Italian Symphony
Date, title and version notes
The original and later revised movements are not identical.
Symphony No. 4, "Italian" - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 4, "Italian" - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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