Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto

Composed by David Monrad-Johansen (1888–1974)

16 minutes


Norwegian composer David Monrad-Johansen wrote Pan in 1922, inspired by the ancient Greek god of the wild. Part man and part goat, Pan was believed to roam forests and mountains, filling the landscape with music, mystery and mischief. Monrad-Johansen uses the orchestra to bring this mythical world vividly to life.

The music opens in a hushed and atmospheric mood, as though we are stepping into an untouched Nordic landscape. Gradually, the orchestra reveals a world of shimmering colours, sweeping melodies and rich harmonies. Moments of stillness sit alongside passages of great power and energy, capturing both the beauty and unpredictability of nature.

Although Monrad-Johansen was Norwegian, listeners may hear echoes of other European composers in Pan. There are hints of Richard Strauss in its lush orchestration and flashes of French Impressionism in its colourful textures, yet the work has a distinctive voice of its own, shaped by the dramatic scenery and folklore of Scandinavia.

For many years, Monrad-Johansen’s music was rarely heard outside Norway. Today, works such as Pan are helping audiences rediscover a composer whose music combines late-Romantic grandeur with a strong sense of place and atmosphere.

Rather than telling a specific story, Pan invites listeners to imagine their own journey through forests, mountains and open skies. Listen for the changing colours of the orchestra and the way the music moves between mystery, wonder and exhilaration. It is a vivid musical portrait of nature at its most enchanting and untamed.

Composed by Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847)

26 minutes


Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor is one of the most beloved works ever written for the instrument. Composed in the 1840s, it combines dazzling virtuosity with some of the most memorable melodies in classical music.

Mendelssohn worked closely with his friend, the violinist Ferdinand David, while writing the concerto. Together they refined the solo part, creating a work that feels perfectly suited to the violin’s singing voice and expressive range. Although it was innovative for its time, the concerto has an effortless naturalness that continues to delight audiences nearly two centuries later.

Unusually, the first movement begins with the solo violin introducing the main theme almost immediately. Passionate and dramatic, it sets the stage for a musical conversation between soloist and orchestra. The second movement offers a moment of calm and reflection. Here, the violin sings a long, tender melody that feels both intimate and heartfelt. Without a pause, the music then launches into a sparkling finale full of energy, agility and joy.

One reason the concerto remains so popular is its balance of technical brilliance and emotional warmth. The soloist has many opportunities to shine, but the music never feels like a display for its own sake. Every flourish serves the character and spirit of the piece.
Whether hearing it for the first time or the fiftieth, Mendelssohn’s concerto continues to captivate with its elegance, lyricism and youthful vitality. It is a work that celebrates the violin at its most expressive, graceful and exhilarating.

Composed by Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904)

36 minutes


Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No 8 is one of the most joyful and life-affirming works in the orchestral repertoire. Written in 1889, it reflects the composer’s deep love of his Czech homeland, drawing inspiration from its landscapes, folk traditions and natural beauty.

Unlike some symphonies that are built around dramatic conflict, Dvořák’s Eighth feels celebratory. From the very beginning, the music is filled with warmth, colour and a sense of optimism. The melodies seem to flow effortlessly, often sounding as though they have sprung directly from nature or folk song.

Throughout the symphony, listeners can hear echoes of birdsong, rustic dances and the rhythms of country life. Dvořák was a master melodist, and memorable tunes appear one after another. The orchestra is used with remarkable imagination, creating a rich palette of sounds that ranges from intimate and lyrical to bold and triumphant.

The third movement offers a graceful waltz-like interlude, full of charm and elegance. The finale begins with a noble trumpet fanfare before unfolding into a series of contrasting episodes. Moments of tenderness, humour and excitement build towards a thrilling conclusion that leaves no doubt about the work’s exuberant spirit.

Although Dvořák would later become famous for his ‘New World Symphony’, many listeners and musicians consider the Eighth Symphony to be his most personal orchestral work. It captures the composer’s unmistakable voice: melodic, optimistic and deeply connected to the world around him.