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Kate Molleson follows Mendelssohn's first visit to London and his rise to celebrity status.

This week, Kate Molleson follows Felix Mendelssohn's journeys across Europe. Today, the 20-year-old composer arrives in London – a city he would come to adore. Battling seasickness, social expectations and musical politics, Mendelssohn quickly wins over audiences with his brilliance as a conductor, pianist and composer. From triumphant Philharmonic Society concerts to encounters with industrial pioneers and London's cultural elite, we explore the beginnings of a lifelong love affair between Mendelssohn and Britain.

Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11 (1829 London Version): Scherzo
London Symphony Orchestra
Sir John Eliot Gardiner, conductor

Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27
Bamberger Symphoniker
Claus Peter Flor, conductor

Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11: Allegro di molto
Chamber Orchestra of Europe
RIAS Kammerchor
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor

Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten
Nanette Mans, soprano
Ars Musica
Patrick van der Linden, conductor

Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25: I and II
Jan Lisiecki, piano
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

21 days left to listen

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Felix Mendelssohn

    Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.11 (3rd mvt)

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir John Eliot Gardiner.
    • LSO LIVE : LSO0769.
    • LSO LIVE.
    • 3.
  • Felix Mendelssohn

    Calm Sea and a Prosperous Voyage, Op.27

    Orchestra: Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Claus Peter Flor.
    • RCA : RD-87905.
    • RCA.
    • 3.
  • Felix Mendelssohn

    Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.11 (1st mvt)

    Orchestra: Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Conductor: Yannick Nézet‐Séguin.
    • DG : 4797337.
    • DG.
    • 1.
  • Felix Mendelssohn

    Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten

    Singer: Nanette Mans. Choir: Merksem Ars Musica Mixed Choir. Conductor: Patrick van der Linden.
    • CHANNEL CLASSICS : CCS-46924.
    • CHANNEL CLASSICS.
    • 9.
  • Felix Mendelssohn

    Piano Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.25

    Performer: Jan Lisiecki. Orchestra: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
    • DG : 483 6471.
    • DG.
    • 1.

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