Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 'Scottish' Cover Image

Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': Full Orchestra, Conductor Score & Parts

$185.00 USD

Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': Full Orchestra, Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': Full Orchestra, Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-A170702
Price: 185.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Felix Mendelssohn

Item: 36-A170702

$185.00

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SYMPHONY NO. 3 IN A MINOR, OP. 56 "SCOTTISH" was inspired by a walking tour in Scotland that Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) took in 1829 with his friend Karl Klingemann. The first idea of writing the symphony came to him while he was visiting the ruins of Holyrood Chapel in Edinburg. The symphony finally reached its completion in 1842, the work premiered on March 3 at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. It was his last finished symphony, although only the third to achieve publication. Its majestic opening movement and lively scherzo have conjured for audiences rugged northern landscapes and allusions of Scottish folk music. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.0.0: Timp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set).

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Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library

Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.

UPC: 659859007847

SKU: 36-A170702

Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.0.0: Timp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set)

More about this title

About the Composer: Felix Mendelssohn

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) was a German composer whose instrumental works shaped the Romantic era and remain central to the orchestral repertoire. A prodigy who conducted major orchestras while still in his twenties, Mendelssohn brought structural clarity and lyrical warmth to symphonic form, influencing generations of composers who followed.

Mendelssohn's approach to orchestration was meticulous and innovative. He traveled extensively across Europe, and his journeys inspired many of his most enduring works. His ability to evoke landscape and atmosphere through purely instrumental means made him a bridge between Classical form and Romantic expression.

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Why we love this

Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony demands serious orchestral chops while remaining genuinely rewarding to conduct. The opening movement's austere beauty paired with the scherzo's infectious energy gives you real dramatic arc, and the orchestration rewards careful sectional balancing without requiring unconventional techniques. Audiences respond immediately to the evocative power of this score.

What to expect

The Scottish Symphony inhabits a landscape of mist and stone. Its first movement unfolds with contemplative dignity, evoking the chill grandeur of Highland ruins. The scherzo darts and spirals with folk-like energy and humor, while later movements build toward affirmation without losing the work's underlying melancholy and introspective character.

Who it's for

Orchestra directors who want substantial repertoire that programs well in mixed concerts and showcases both ensemble discipline and lyrical maturity. This symphony suits advanced high school or collegiate orchestras with adequate string depth and secure wind players.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the opening A minor theme between violas and cellos; this quiet, introspective gesture sets the emotional foundation for the entire work. Let it breathe without rushing forward.
Shape the brass entries in the first movement with restraint. Mendelssohn scores the horns and trumpets to support rather than dominate, so resist the urge to let them drive the tempo.
In the scherzo, lock the articulation and rhythmic precision of the winds; the lightness and forward motion depend on crisp ensemble work rather than speed.
Take advantage of the Kalmus parts' clarity for sectional rehearsals. With a large string section (9.8.7.6.5), detailed work on intonation and vibrato consistency pays immediate dividends.

How to use it

Program this as the centerpiece of a concert exploring Romantic nationalism or European travel inspired works. It pairs naturally with Brahms symphonies or Dvořák's Slavonic Dances. The symphony also stands alone as a complete concert work when you want to demonstrate orchestral sophistication and emotional depth.