ExclusiveComplete Performance: Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 in A 'Italian', Op. 90

【Classical music and nature 古典音樂小站】Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony no. 4 in A 'Italian', Op. 90. This beautiful piece was preserved by European Archive. It has Creative Commons license (PDM 1.0 DEED, Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal) and is provided through www.musopen.org.

Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, famously known as the "Italian" Symphony, encapsulates the jubilant spirit and picturesque beauty of Italy, a country that deeply inspired Mendelssohn during his extensive European tour from 1829 to 1831. His experiences in Italy profoundly influenced his compositional style, infusing his music with the vibrant colors and dynamic atmosphere of the Italian landscape. The "Italian" Symphony, with its vivid orchestration and thematic richness, stands as a musical reflection of his Italian journey, capturing the essence of the country’s cultural and scenic splendors.

The symphony’s creation was sparked by Mendelssohn’s own words to his father, expressing the overwhelming joy and artistic stimulation he felt while traveling in Italy. His excitement about the Italian environment is evident in the correspondence with his family, where he described the symphony as "the jolliest piece I have ever done," particularly highlighting the vivacious final movement that he planned to complete in Naples. This sense of exhilaration permeates the entire symphony, making it one of the most cheerful and lively works in his repertoire.

**First Movement: Allegro Vivace**
The symphony opens with the Allegro Vivace, which immediately sets a joyful and energetic tone. This movement features a bright, lively theme introduced by the strings and masterfully passed around different sections of the orchestra. The thematic development is both playful and sophisticated, embodying the spirit of Italian vitality and charm. The movement concludes with a triumphant recapitulation of the initial theme, underscoring a sense of exuberance and delight.

**Second Movement: Andante con moto**
In contrast, the Andante con moto draws its inspiration from the solemn religious processions Mendelssohn witnessed in Naples. The movement is characterized by a somber, chant-like melody in a minor key, supported by a steady walking bassline. This creates a reflective and meditative atmosphere, providing a contemplative counterpoint to the symphony's otherwise upbeat character. The processional theme gently fades, echoing the visual of a procession disappearing into the distance.

**Third Movement: Con moto moderato**
Following the classical tradition of a minuet and trio, the third movement, Con moto moderato, blends this form with the lyrical qualities of early Romanticism. Mendelssohn's use of legato in the strings and woodwinds, along with a subtle brass presence, adds a graceful and flowing dimension to the movement. The 3/4 meter provides a gentle forward momentum, evoking the elegance and refined sophistication of an Italian courtly dance.

**Fourth Movement: Presto**
The final movement is a vibrant Presto that integrates elements of two popular Italian folk dances: the Roman saltarello and the Neapolitan tarantella. Both dances are known for their brisk tempos and lively rhythms, which Mendelssohn captures with rapid triplet figures and a vigorous orchestral texture. This movement races towards a spirited and exhilarating finale, perfectly encapsulating the festive and dynamic spirit of Italian folk culture.

Mendelssohn’s "Italian" Symphony not only reflects his personal impressions and emotional responses to Italy but also demonstrates his profound ability to translate these experiences into a cohesive musical narrative. Through this symphony, Mendelssohn offers listeners a sonic journey through Italy, characterized by its scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and the vivacious spirit of its people, making it a beloved staple of the classical music repertoire.

These beautiful sceneries were filmed by Simone Schlegel in Einigen, Aeschiried, Schallenberg Pass and other locations in Switzerland. The video was edited by Wenjing Ma.



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