4: Superficial or Facile?
By the 1840s, when he was in his thirties, some critics have argued that Mendelssohn had "gone off". But the music in today's programme is that of a great composer at the height of his powers. The pieces may be sullied with unfortunate associations, or have become so well known that it is hard to listen to them with fresh ears, but there is no mistaking their power in performances of conviction and authority. Variations sérieuses, Op 54 Alfred Brendel (piano)
Violin Concerto in E minor
Salvatore Accardo , London Philharmonic, conductor Charles Dutoit
Nocturne; Wedding March (Incidental music to "A Midsummer Night 's Dream LSO, conductor Peter Maag