PROGRAM

Schumann had originally written “im Charakter der Begleitung einer feierlichen Ceremonie” (in the style of music incidental to a solemn ceremony), but scratched it out. Some sources say the movement was inspired by his visit to Cologne Cathedral. It conjures up a grandiose but solemn chorale, brought forth by the bassoons, horns and trombones. The Fifth Movement is a rousing duple meter rustic dance and fanfare, leaving the listener at the end breathless in its vivacity. Schumann himself premiered this symphony.

The Hebrides in D Major, Op. 26, MWV P7, “Fingal’s Cave”

A 20 year old Mendelssohn’s three week trip to Scotland in 1829, served as a muse, of sorts, for his third symphony but he was most moved to create The Hebrides. In fact, so much so that he wrote the work’s first theme immediately, even sharing it with others through correspondence. While the work was completed in 1830, Mendelssohn later revised it for its premiere performance in London in May 1832.

This programme music depicts Mendelssohn’s experience, which he described as the oil (the engine of the steam ship he travelled on) and seagulls and dead fish. Further than that, it captures the constantly changing nature of Scotland’s Hebrides area (including Fingal sea cave) from storm to calm (loneliness and solitude). The work paints pictures of sea swell (with surges in the cellos and basses) and a storm (increased in tempo, turbulent oscillations). Of note, is the beautiful restatement of the second theme near the end with the first clarinet which is joined by the second clarinet providing a sense of calm. The storm starts up again leading to the end of the work.