Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64
Felix Mendelssohn
Work background
Researched classical background
Mendelssohn developed his E-minor concerto in consultation with violinist Ferdinand David. The soloist enters almost immediately, and the cadenza appears within the first movement's unfolding structure rather than simply at its end. Transitions connect the movements, making the whole concerto feel continuous. The work combines a lyrical solo line with clear orchestral dialogue and a particularly light-footed finale.
A listening guide
Notice where the cadenza occurs and how the violin's figuration helps restart the orchestral theme.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo violin and orchestra
Composition: 1844 (completion)
Mendelssohn discussed the concerto with Ferdinand David years earlier; the premiere followed in 1845.
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.
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 - 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
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 - 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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