Mendelssohnʼs Symphony Composition Years and Ages
This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
Mendelssohnʼs Symphony Composition Years and Ages
I asked ChatGPT4o: "Please tell me the birth year of Mendelssohn and the composition years of each of his symphonies."
Felix Mendelssohn was born on February 3, 1809. Below are his major symphonies and their composition years.
Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11
- Year of composition: 1824
- Age at composition: 15 years old
Symphony No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 52 "Lobgesang"
- Year of composition: 1840
- Age at composition: 31 years old
Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 "Scottish"
- Year of composition: 1829 (inspired during a visit to Scotland) - 1842 (completed)
- Age at composition: 20 years old (inspiration) - 33 years old (completion)
Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 "Italian"
- Year of composition: 1833
- Age at composition: 24 years old
Symphony No. 5 in D major, Op. 107 "Reformation"
- Year of composition: 1830
- Age at composition: 21 years old
Mendelssohn began composing at a very young age and composed many symphonies throughout his life. His early works are technically advanced and rich in creativity, despite his young age.
I asked ChatGPT4o: "Mendelssohn started composing symphonies at a young age, so why did he only compose 5 symphonies?"
Felix Mendelssohn composed many symphonies from a young age, but only five are generally well-known. This is due to several reasons.
- Classification of Symphonies
Mendelssohn composed symphonies from a very young age, but his early symphonies are known as "String Symphonies." These are works performed only with string instruments, differing from general symphonies. Mendelssohn composed 13 string symphonies between the ages of 12 and 14. While these works are sometimes called symphonies, they are classified in a different category from regular symphonies and are not included in the general count of symphonies.
- Diversification of Musical Interests and Activities
Mendelssohn left works in many musical genres besides symphonies. He composed in a wide range of genres, including opera, cantatas, piano works, chamber music, and songs. Therefore, the number of symphonies is relatively small.
- Maturity and Selection of Symphonies
Mendelssohn was a very strict self-critic, and many of his symphonies were not published and remained as subsequent works. He only published the works he was most satisfied with, ensuring the high quality of his works.
- Early Death
Mendelssohn died at the young age of 38. Had he lived longer, he might have composed more symphonies.
For these reasons, only five of Mendelssohnʼs symphonies are generally known, but many of his other works are also highly regarded.
I asked ChatGPT4o: "Do the symphonies Mendelssohn did not publish still exist today?"
Yes, many of the symphonies Felix Mendelssohn composed in his youth still exist, particularly the 13 known as "String Symphonies," which are performed and recorded even today.
String Symphonies
These works were composed by Mendelssohn between the ages of 12 and 14 and include the following 13 symphonies:
- String Symphony No. 1 in C major
- String Symphony No. 2 in D major
- String Symphony No. 3 in E minor
- String Symphony No. 4 in C minor
- String Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major
- String Symphony No. 6 in E-flat major
- String Symphony No. 7 in D minor
- String Symphony No. 8 in D major
- String Symphony No. 9 in C major
- String Symphony No. 10 in B minor
- String Symphony No. 11 in F major
- String Symphony No. 12 in G minor
- String Symphony No. 13 in C minor
These works are currently performed by many orchestras and have been recorded. These symphonies, demonstrating Mendelssohnʼs genius compositional skills, are important materials for understanding his talent in his youth.
Other Unpublished Symphonies
In the later part of Mendelssohnʼs career, there are symphonies and unfinished works that he did not officially publish. Some of these works exist as manuscripts or drafts and are studied by researchers and musicologists.
In summary, the symphonies Mendelssohn composed in his youth still exist, and especially the string symphonies are widely performed today. Some of his unpublished works are also preserved, enriching his musical legacy.