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Composer of the Week

200 Years of the Royal Philharmonic Society

Episode 2: Mendelssohn Mania

Duration: 1 hour

First broadcast: on BBC Radio 3Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 3

In the 1830s, "Mendelssohn mania" was thrilling these shores as the music of Felix Mendelssohn made a huge impact on London audiences. Donald Macleod is joined by cultural historian, Leanne Langley to explore two key works commissioned by the Philharmonic Society - Mendelssohn's Symphony no.4, the "Italian", and the much less well-known concert aria "Infelice". He also presents a complete performance of a Piano Quintet by one of the Society's most ardent supporters, the now long-forgotten Johann Baptist Cramer. We end with an RPS commission from the mid-20th century: Bartok's Concerto for Two Pianos, Percussion and Orchestra, an adaptation of the composer's earlier Sonata for the same combination. Show less

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