German Romanticism

It was a visit to Scotland in 1829 that inspired Mendelssohn to write two of his most important works: the Hebrides Overture and the “Scottish” symphony, with the former portraying the Isle of Staffa with its gaping, sea cave. As for his Scottish symphony, and after visiting the rugged ruins of Holyrood Castle, Mendelssohn wrote in his diary that “We went to the Palace of Holyrood, where Queen Mary lived and loved… Everything around is broken and moldering, and the bright sky shines in. I believe I found today in the old chapel the beginning of my Scottish symphony.” Sandwiched between these two works is Weber’s Clarinet concerto no. 2, written in 1811, with the composer making breathtakingly difficult demands on the soloist but also showcasing his own opulent orchestral writing.

F. MENDELSSOHN: Hebrides overture, op. 26
C. M. WEBER: Clarinet concerto no. 2 in E flat major
F. MENDELSSOHN: Symphony no. 3 in A minor, op. 56 (“Scottish”)

Soloist: Dionysis Grammenos (clarinet)
Conductor: Georgios Vranos

Ticket prices:
€12, €7 (young people 18-26 yrs, pensioners), €5 (young people 12-18 yrs), €3 (children under 12)