March 13

Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor premiered on March 13, 1845, in Leipzig, Germany. Violinist Ferdinand David, a close friend of the composer, performed as the soloist. Mendelssohn’s innovative approach to concerto form, blending lyrical melodies with virtuosic passages, amazed audiences. The work’s seamless integration of soloist and orchestra broke with traditional three-movement concerto conventions. It quickly became one of the most beloved works in the violin repertoire and remains a staple of concert programs today. The premiere solidified Mendelssohn’s reputation as a leading composer of the Romantic era.