Unit 2: Mendelssohn and Violin Concerto in E Minor

Question 1

Dates

Answer 1

1809-1847

Question 2

Life and Musical Career

Answer 2

Born in Hamburg, Germany
Grandfather was a respected rabbi and philosopher
Father was a merchant banker
Mother supervised the musical education
Had an old sister Fanny, who was a talented pianist and composer

Frequently traveled to European countries during his youth
Met Johann Wolfgang von Goethe at age 12; Franz Liszt, and Luigi Cherubini at age 16

Question 3

Musical Style and Contributions

Answer 3

Roots of musical styles are in the 18th century
Was encouraged as a student to emulate the proven models of Bach, Handel, Haydn, and Mozart
Influenced by Bach’s counterpoint
Inherited a preference for balanced symmetrical phrases and clarity of texture from Mozart
Inspired by Beethoven’s linking movements

Question 4

Genres and Titles

Answer 4

Symphony No. 3 (“Scottish”)
Symphony No. 4 (“Italian”)
Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Question 5

V: Concerto

Answer 5

A multi-movement work for soloist and orchestra
Showcases virtuosity of soloist
In the 19th century, generally included a first movement in sonata form

Question 6

V: Sonata form

Answer 6

Formal structure often used in first movement of a sonata cycle
Consists of exposition, development, and recapitulation
Also known as sonata-allegro form

Question 7

V: Cadenza

Answer 7

A solo passage heard in a concerto, aria, or any large orchestral work
Often virtuosic, and suggests an improvised style
19th-century cadenzas were usually written by the composer

Question 8

Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64: Genre

Answer 8

Violin concerto

Question 9

Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64: Composition Date

Answer 9

1844

Question 10

Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64: Structure

Answer 10

Three movements

Question 11

Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64: Performing Forces

Answer 11

Solo violin and orchestra