Concerto for Violin in E Minor Op 64 Full Score

Concerto for Violin in E Minor Op 64 Full Score

• New source situation owing to recently rediscovered proofs
• Revised edition. With an Urtext solo part and a solo part with bowing and fingering.

This key work of the C19th, adheres to the classical style of Beethoven whilst pointing towards the romantic ethos of Brahms.

It has long been known that Mendelssohn performed the work with three soloists in succession:

Ferdinand David (who worked closely with the composer during its composition and played at the première);
the ‘child prodigy’ Joseph Joachim;
and Hubert Léonard, a young Belgian virtuoso about whom little is known.

As proof sheets for the Violin Concerto in E minor were long considered lost, it was described as 'somewhat of a sensation ...' when proofs for the solo violin part were discovered together with a letter from Mendelssohn to Léonard. In the letter Mendelssohn invited Léonard to his home in Frankfurt in order to make his acquaintance. It was already known that Mendelssohn had given proof sheets to David; now we know that he also gave some to Léonard.

The recently discovered proofs reveal how Léonard played the concerto with Mendelssohn on that memorable evening in February 1845. Besides containing bowing marks and fingering, they also show how Léonard executed shifts of position and where he employed open strings. Furthermore, modifications made to dynamic markings and additional legato bowing are shown. It is safe to assume that all of this was done with Mendelssohn’s approval. That the young violinist made a positive impression on the composer is confirmed in the latter’s correspondence following their joint performance. Mendelssohn is full of praise for Léonard’s playing and offers to lend his support in finding employment in Germany.

This revised edition of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (the orchestral parts remain unchanged) includes a separate booklet on performance practice. Clive Brown, the editor, is an acknowledged expert on Romantic performance practice.