Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56, "Scottish"
Felix Mendelssohn
Work background
Researched classical background
Mendelssohn linked the beginning of this symphony to impressions of Holyrood during his Scottish travels. He completed the work more than a decade later, shaping four movements intended to follow one another closely. Darker introductory material, lively dance rhythms, lyrical reflection, and a vigorous finale create contrasts within a connected design. The nickname does not mean that the score simply assembles Scottish folk tunes.
Inspiration and creative background
Mendelssohn's account of his 1829 visit to Holyrood documents the initial Scottish association.
Symphony No. 3, "Scottish" - 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
Follow the continuity between movements and compare the opening's atmosphere with the broad music near the end.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1842 (completion)
The first ideas arose after Mendelssohn's Scottish visit in 1829; completion came much later.
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: Scottish Symphony
Symphony No. 3, "Scottish" - 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. 3, "Scottish" - 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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