String symphonies (Mendelssohn)

Instrumentation#

The symphonies are written for a string orchestra. String Symphony No. 11 also contains percussion (timpani, triangle, cymbals) in the second movement. No. 8 exists in two forms: the original for string orchestra, and an arrangement that Mendelssohn wrote that added woodwinds, brass, and timpani. The work is scored for two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani in D and A, and strings. (A typical performance lasts half an hour). Symphonies 1 to 7 are the less “symphonic” and more relatable to the classical Divertimento (in the model of Mozart’s KV 136, 137 and 138). From n.º 8 on, we find a more sophisticated writing, probably influenced by Mendelssohn’s study on the organistic repertoire. The whole of Symphonies 9, 10 and 13 and some movements in n.º 8, 11 and 12 ask for two viola sections, a forgotten feature since the baroque period.

Structure#

The string symphonies nos. 1-6 and 12 were composed in three movements. Nos. 7, 8 and 9 have four movements, nos. 10 and 13 have one movement, and no. 11 is in five movements.

No. 1 in C major, MWV N 1#

There are three movements:

No. 2 in D major, MWV N 2#

There are three movements:

No. 3 in E minor, MWV N 3#

There are three movements:

No. 4 in C minor, MWV N 4#

There are three movements:

No. 5 in B major, MWV N 5#

There are three movements:

No. 6 in E major, MWV N 6#

There are three movements:

No. 7 in D minor, MWV N 7#

There are four movements:

No. 8 in D major, MWV N 8 (two versions, one for strings and another with winds)#

There are four movements:

No. 9 in C major, MWV N 9#

There are four movements:

No. 10 in B minor, MWV N 10#

There is one movement:

No. 11 in F major, MWV N 11#

There are five movements:

No. 12 in G minor, MWV N 12#

There are three movements:

No. 13 Symphoniesatz, MWV N 14#

Mendelssohn sketched out a 13th string symphony, called (“symphonic movement”). This Grave – Allegro molto is in C minor.

External links#