Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Kate Molleson follows Felix Mendelssohn's journeys across Europe, tracing how travel shaped one of the nineteenth century's most gifted musical minds. From a privileged upbringing in Berlin and early encounters with Goethe, through concert tours in Britain and adventures in Scotland and Italy, Mendelssohn absorbed new landscapes, cultures and ideas wherever he went. Alongside artistic inspiration came professional opportunities, influential friendships and the challenge of establishing himself as a composer on his own terms. Returning to Germany after years on the road, he channelled these experiences into some of his most celebrated music while helping to shape the country's musical life through his work in Leipzig.

Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales

Music featured includes:

Symphony No. 4 in A major "Italian", Op. 90 Rondo capriccioso in E major, Op. 14 Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 21 Piano Quartet in F minor, Op. 2: Adagio Octet in E flat major, Op. 20: Allegro moderato Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11 (1829 London Version): Scherzo Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27 Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11: Allegro di molto Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25: I & II Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 "Scottish": II. Vivace non troppo and IV. Allegro vivacissimo – Allegro maestoso assai Hebrides Overture, Op. 26 Fantasia in F sharp minor, Op. 28 "Scottish Sonata" Three Fantasies (or Caprices), Op. 16 Venetian Gondola Song Ave Maria Symphony No. 5 in D major "Reformation", Op. 107: IV. Chorale "Ein feste Burg" Psalm 115, Nicht unserm Namen, Herr, Op. 31 Symphony No. 4 in A major "Italian", Op. 90: III & IV String Quintet No. 1 in A major, Op. 18: III. Adagio e lento Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19b Trumpet Overture, Op. 101 Paulus, Op. 36, Part I: "Herr! Der du bist der Gott" Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: I. Allegro molto appassionato

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Felix Mendelssohn: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m003029d

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z