Among the most enduring works of the violin repertoire, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 holds a special place. Revered for its elegant structure, lyrical themes, and technical brilliance, it is often considered one of the greatest violin concertos of all time.
Composed in the twilight of Mendelssohn’s short life, this concerto has captivated audiences and performers alike since its premiere in 1845.
It was groundbreaking for its time, breaking with Classical traditions and paving the way for the Romantic concerto as we know it today. From its passionate opening to its sparkling finale, this concerto is a masterclass in expression and innovation.
📋 Quick Overview
| 👨🎼 Composer | Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) |
| 📜 Work Title | Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 |
| 🗂️ Year of Composition | 1838–1844 (revised through to 1845) |
| 🌍 Country of Composition | Germany |
| 🎵 Structure | 3 movements: Allegro molto appassionato – Andante – Allegretto non troppo → Allegro molto vivace |
| 🎻 Instrumentation | Solo violin, full orchestra |
| 🕰️ Musical Era | Romantic |
| 🎧 Premiere | March 13, 1845 – Leipzig, Germany |
| 🔍 Unique Feature | Soloist enters almost immediately, breaking classical tradition |
A New Vision of the Romantic Concerto
By the 1830s, Felix Mendelssohn was already a celebrated composer, conductor, and pianist. Yet it took him six years to complete his only violin concerto. Why the delay? Mendelssohn was a perfectionist—and also deeply invested in making this concerto innovative, yet beautiful.
He worked closely with violinist Ferdinand David, concertmaster of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, to ensure the solo part was both technically demanding and idiomatic for the instrument. The result is a work that feels tailor-made for the violin, full of lyricism, drama, and clarity.
One of Mendelssohn’s most striking choices was having the solo violin enter within the first few bars, skipping the long orchestral introduction typical of Classical concertos. This subtle change was revolutionary—and instantly engaging.
The Movements: Passion, Poetry, and Playfulness
First Movement – Allegro molto appassionato
The concerto begins in E minor, with the solo violin entering just after a brief orchestral phrase. There’s no delay, no long lead-in—just an immediate surge of energy and emotion. The main theme, filled with urgency and romantic passion, sets the tone for the entire work.
Highlights:
- The violin’s early entrance is dramatic and unconventional
- Fluid arpeggios and rich melodic phrasing
- An innovative written-out cadenza in the middle of the movement, rather than the end
Instead of giving the soloist the freedom to improvise a cadenza, Mendelssohn wrote it himself. This allows for a seamless musical flow and ensures that the thematic material continues to develop even in the cadenza section.
The movement ends with a quiet, lyrical bridge that transitions directly into the second movement without pause—a move that enhances the concerto’s narrative continuity.
Second Movement – Andante
Shifting to C major, the second movement provides a moment of lyrical calm and introspection. The theme is tender and almost songlike, offering contrast to the impassioned first movement.
Highlights:
- Gentle, flowing melody that allows the violin to sing
- Subtle orchestral support to highlight the solo line
- A middle section in A minor introduces slight turbulence before returning to the opening mood
This movement showcases Mendelssohn’s gift for melodic beauty. It evokes a sense of peace, longing, and intimate reflection, much like a Romantic-era lullaby or aria.
Third Movement – Allegretto non troppo → Allegro molto vivace
Without pause, the second movement flows directly into a playful and brilliant finale. A short transitional passage leads to a vibrant E major theme—cheerful, rhythmically dynamic, and full of joy.
Highlights:
- Vivacious main theme driven by rapid bowing and energetic rhythms
- Lively syncopations and intricate interplay between soloist and orchestra
- Flourishing ending that dazzles and delights
This movement embodies effortless virtuosity, ending the concerto on a high note with sparkle and exuberance. It’s the kind of finale that leaves both audiences and performers exhilarated.
Why This Concerto Endures
Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto is not just popular—it’s timeless. Here’s why it continues to resonate with violinists and listeners around the world:
- Balanced structure: Each movement transitions seamlessly into the next, creating a continuous arc of emotion.
- Soloist integration: The violin is a narrator and protagonist, not just an ornament.
- Expressive power: The music speaks directly to the heart without being overly sentimental or self-indulgent.
- Technical brilliance: It remains a rite of passage for violinists, blending showmanship with lyrical depth.
Despite being over 175 years old, the concerto still sounds fresh, modern, and compelling—a rare feat in the classical canon.
Recommended Recordings
There are dozens of excellent recordings of this concerto, but a few stand out for their unique interpretations:
- Jascha Heifetz – Legendary performance full of precision and fire
- Itzhak Perlman with André Previn (London Symphony Orchestra) – Warm, lyrical, and perfectly balanced
- Hilary Hahn with Neville Marriner (Academy of St. Martin in the Fields) – Modern clarity with expressive finesse
- Anne-Sophie Mutter with Herbert von Karajan – Romantic richness and bold dynamics
Each of these offers a different take on the concerto—listen to several to hear how different artists interpret Mendelssohn’s vision.
How to Listen Actively
To deepen your appreciation of the concerto:
- Pay attention to the seamless transitions between movements.
- Listen for Mendelssohn’s signature lightness and clarity—even in complex passages.
- Notice how the orchestra and violin collaborate, rather than compete.
- Compare cadenzas in different performances—they’re always the same notes, but never the same story.
Explore More from Mendelssohn
If you enjoyed this concerto, you may also like:
- Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20 – Written at age 16, this is a chamber music triumph
- Songs Without Words (Lieder ohne Worte) – A collection of lyrical piano miniatures
- Symphony No. 4 “Italian” – Joyful, sunlit orchestral music inspired by Mendelssohn’s travels
Mendelssohn’s ability to combine classical form with romantic feeling makes his music accessible, elegant, and deeply rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 is more than a technical showpiece—it’s a personal, poetic statement from a composer who understood the violin as few others did. With its innovative form, seamless transitions, and heartfelt melodies, it has earned its place not only as a staple of violinists’ repertoires but as a cornerstone of Romantic music.
Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth, this concerto has a way of making you feel like it was written just for you.
