Symphony No. 4 in A, Op. 90 "Italian" Cover Image

Symphony No. 4 in A, Op. 90 "Italian": Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works

$45.00 USD
$45.00 USD
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Symphony No. 4 in A, Op. 90 "Italian" Cover Image
Symphony No. 4 in A, Op. 90 "Italian": Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works

Symphony No. 4 in A, Op. 90 "Italian": Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works

By Felix Mendelssohn

Item: 36-A170801
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Description
From 1829 to 1831, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) was occupied by a tour of Europe. Out of that tour came several of his best-known works, including Symphony No. 3 "Scottish," The Hebrides overture, and Symphony No. 4 "Italian." Mendelssohn completed this last work in 1833, conducting its premiere at the London (Royal) Philharmonic Society on May 13 of that year. Despite its lauded position now in the orchestral repertoire, and the fact that it is among the most popular of Mendelssohn's works, the composer was never satisfied with the symphony, periodically attempting revisions over the years. As a result, it remained unpublished until 1851, a few years after Mendelssohn's death, and it was the original 1833 version that found its way to publication. It is this version that is still most frequently performed today. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 2.2.0.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).

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Additional Details
Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library
Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.
ISBN10: 8-88-852382-0
ISBN13: 979-8-88-852382-7
UPC: 676737670436
SKU: 36-A170801
Instrumentation: Detailed Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 2.2.0.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set)

More about this title

About the Composer: Felix Mendelssohn

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) was a Romantic composer whose works bridged the classical tradition and the emerging expressive language of his era. Born into a wealthy, cultured family in Hamburg, Mendelssohn received rigorous training and early recognition; he conducted Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at age twenty and composed fluently across symphonic, chamber, and vocal genres. His compositions are marked by clarity of form, lyrical melody, and orchestral sophistication.

Mendelssohn's extensive travels shaped his artistic voice profoundly. His tours of Italy, Scotland, and England directly inspired major works, including the "Italian" and "Scottish" symphonies, and established him as one of the nineteenth century's most celebrated composers. He also championed Bach's music during a period when it had fallen into obscurity, conducting the St. Matthew Passion in 1829 and influencing generations of musicians through his revival efforts.

Why we love this

This symphony captures everything audiences love about Mendelssohn: architectural clarity, memorable themes, and orchestral writing that lets every section shine without overwhelming the ensemble. The original 1833 version carries the freshness of inspiration, unencumbered by the revisions the composer later doubted, and it remains the standard performance edition. Programming this work signals a sophisticated, historically informed orchestra and pairs naturally with other Romantic-era staples.

What to expect

Bright, charming, and immensely lyrical, the "Italian" Symphony radiates the sunlit landscapes that inspired it. Mendelssohn's gift for elegant orchestration makes the piece feel both intimate and grand, moving from reflective passages to moments of spirited joy with natural ease. The work exudes the confidence of a composer at the height of his powers, expressing genuine emotion without sentimentality.

Who it's for

Advanced community orchestras, university orchestras, and professional ensembles seeking a substantial Romantic-era work that showcases ensemble coordination and refined musicianship. This symphony demands solid technical foundation and musical maturity from the entire orchestra but rewards preparation with an audience favorite.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the opening theme of the first movement with gentle forward motion; the melody should feel like it's unfolding naturally rather than being pressed forward.
  • Balance the string textures carefully in the development section, where Mendelssohn layers multiple voices. Clarity matters more than volume.
  • Bring warmth to the Andante's contrasting middle section; this is where the lyrical heart of the work emerges.
  • Keep the finale's propulsive energy buoyant rather than rushed; the saltarello rhythm should dance, not drive.

How to use it

Position this as a centerpiece work in a Romantic-era concert or as a bridge between Classical and later Nineteenth-century repertoire. It pairs well with other Mendelssohn orchestral works or with the Symphonies of Schumann and Brahms. The accessible charm makes it an excellent choice for audience development concerts without compromising artistic substance.

Skills your students will build

  • Sustaining lyrical phrasing across extended melodic lines
  • Balancing independence of orchestral sections during contrapuntal passages
  • Managing tempo and rhythmic precision in rapid passagework (finale)
  • Coordinating attacks and releases across the full ensemble
  • Executing dynamic subtlety in pianissimo passages

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