Mendelssohn

• Cancelled: informations

As a result of the health crisis, instead of a programme devoted to Central Europe, Les Dissonances proposes to take us a bit farther north, to meet with a composer who is as seductive as he is atypical. Behind the image of a musician respectful of the balance and poise of musical tradition, Mendelssohn hides a spirit haunted by the fantasy and fairytale of German Romanticism. This is evident in the Hebrides Overture, inspired by an impassioned visit in 1829 to Fingal’s Cave, a legendary site of Scotland’s Celtic history. Fifteen years later, the composer delivered what would be one of his last major symphonic scores, the resplendent Violin Concerto. Flowing with ease into the classical mould, it also offers myriad ingenious innovations, of which the immediate exposition of the first theme by the violin or the uninterrupted progression of the three movements are perhaps the most striking aspects. David Grimal’s sensitive lyricism and emotion are certain to restore the true nature and refinement of a score all too often put forward merely as means to display gratuitous virtuosity.

(This concert is part of the Lumières d’Europe Festival)