It’s a new week, and time for new music! This week, we’ll be listening to the fourth movement of Symphony No. 5 by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 -1847). Mendelssohn was a German composer writing during the early Romantic period. Like Mozart, Mendelssohn was considered a child prodigy, although his parents did not push his talents the way Mozart’s did. He died after a series of strokes at the age of 38, but left behind a great musical legacy. Mendelssohn is best known for his symphonies, his violin concerto in e minor, and music written for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Mendelssohn wrote his 5th symphony in 1830 in celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Lutheran church. The fourth movement (which we’ll be listening to this week) contains the melody from the hymn “A Might Fortress is our God,” which was written by Martin Luther. I thought that since October 31st is Reformation Day, that this would be a good time to listen to the Reformation Symphony!
By the way, the conductor in this recording is the same person that we heard play Bach’s Organ Fugue in G Minor.
Enjoy the music!
Thanks again! What a brilliant idea. Particularly appreciate that you have given us a clip to see it performed. I’m sure my sons will love to actually see the different instruments. And no doubt will help to cultivate an appreciation for music. Can’t wait to show them one
Our oldest son was of his own accord holding and strumming a guitar very well, well before he was two, even had the idea of a plectrum himself using some fuzzy felt! (Amazed at where that came from!) So we want to really encourage this gift in music what we anticipate God has given. And Our second son seemed to lean to piano 