Felix Mendelssohn, ‘Hebrides’ Overture Tom says: “Felix Mendelssohn is one of my favourite composers. He lived a short but fulfilling life (1809-1847) based in Germany: he made music with his friends, he explored the world, he walked up hills and climbed trees, he dined with kings and queens, and he produced beautiful music which speaks directly to our hearts.” Felix was a fine pianist, as was his sister, Fanny (who was also a composer). During one of his trips abroad, Mendelssohn (we tend to refer to composers by their last name) was in the Scottish Highlands – the Hebrides. He took a steam boat ride, and, as he made his way across the black, icy waters, he saw in the distance an island with a mysterious cave. In a letter to his sister, Felix wrote: "In order to make you understand how extraordinarily the Hebrides affected me, I send you the following, which came into my head there."[5] The cave at that time was approximately 35 feet (11 m) high and over 200 feet (61 m) deep, and contained black basalt pillars” Mendelssohn pulled out his sketch book and pencil, and immediately began to jot down the opening bars of this wonderful piece of music:
Figure 1 The sketch of the opening bars of the Hebrides Overture
The piece was first performed (we call this ‘premiered’) on 14th May 1832, conducted by Thomas Attwood, who was also the Organist of St Paul’s Cathedral, where the Hackney Children’s Choir has its musical home.
A few years later, scholars (that is, people who study the world) found this picture which Felix had drawn for his sister, recalling the scenes on the steam boat.
Figure 2 Felix Mendelssohn's sketch of his time on a steam boat
Choir Tasks: 1. Listen to this piece with your headphones, or out loud with your family. What images can you see in your imagination while you listen? How does it make you feel? 2. Take a piece of paper. On the top, write “Felix Mendelssohn, ‘Hebrides’ Overture” 3. At the top of the page, write three words to describe how the piece makes you feel. 4. Listen to the piece again. Which instruments can you hear? List them. While you listen to this music, draw Fingal’s cave. 5. If you would like to, write a story about Fingal and his mysterious island – you might like to find out where the name comes from first by using Google! 6. Which pieces of music have you learned by Felix Mendelssohn in the Hackney Children’s Choir? Here’s a clue ‘Lift….’ And ‘I will sing….’
Figure 3 The Scottish Hebrides
Figure 4 The Outer Hebrides on a Map of the British Isles