Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor
Goals
- Experience a piece of classical music
- Consider the relationship of the soloist to the rest of the orchestra
- Explore the music through reflection and art-making
Scroll down for a video and corresponding activities. You can replay the link for reference as you experience the activities below.
Video
This clip features Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor. This was his last large orchestral work - he began working on it in 1838 and did not complete it until 1844. It is one of the most popular and most frequently performed violin concertos in history. It is characterized by its warmth of melody and vivacity and for departing from classical concerto forms . This particular clip is from Mostly Mozart Festival in 2009 and features violin soloist Joshua Bell.
Warm Up
Photo Credit: Kevin Yatarola
Listen to the music.
Take a deep breath in for four counts and out for four counts. Take a deep breath in for eight counts and out for eight counts.
Continue breathing as you stretch your arms up above your head, then bring them down. Stretch your arms in front of you and bring them back to your side.
Continue to breathe and stretch as you listen to the music. Move to the music.
Reflection / Discussion
What do you notice about the violin soloist?
What is he wearing?
How does he move his body while he plays?
What are his facial expressions? What might that tell us about him?
2. What do you notice about the rest of the orchestra?
What instruments do you see and hear?
What are they wearing?
How would you describe the facial expressions of the orchestra members?
3. Listen to the music, focus on the violin soloist.
What is the tempo of the soloist?
What do you feel when listening to the soloist?
Listen to the music, focus on the orchestra.
What is the tempo of the orchestra?
What do you feel when listening to the orchestra?
Art-Making
Supplies: Paper, Writing Utensils (2 colors)
Listen to the music.
Focus on the violin soloist. Move your writing utensil to the tempo and rhythm of the violin soloist in one color.
Focus on the orchestra. Move your writing utensil to the tempo and rhythm of the orchestra in the other color.
Example: I imagine the violin solo as many quick dashes on the page. I drew this in black pen. I imagine the orchestra as long, flowing swirls on the page with some big swells. I drew this in blue pen. You can see the example on the left.
Explore More
Extension Questions:
Do you prefer to be in the spotlight like the soloist? Or, part of a larger group like the orchestra? Why?
When you listened to the music, what stood out; the soloist or the orchestra? Why?
What words would you use to describe this piece of music?
Additional Links:
To learn more about Mendelssohn's life and work, click here.
To learn more about the violin soloist, Joshua Bell, click here.
To learn more about Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival, click here. To watch more videos from past Mostly Mozart Festivals, click here.
Share:
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