May 13, 1833
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy conducts the premiere of his Symphony No.4, “Italian” in London at a Royal Philharmonic Society concert.
Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, known as Italian, is an orchestral symphony composed by by Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer.
Like his ”Scottish Symphony” and the orchestral overture “The Hebrides” (Fingal’s Cave), “Italian” was also inspired during his tour of Europe from 1829 to 1831. His inspiration was the colour and atmosphere of Italy. Symphony No. 4 was completed in 1833.
“Italian” is in four movements, scored for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani and strings:
1st Movement: Allegro vivace
2nd Movement: Andante con moto
3rd Movement: Con moto moderato
4th Movement: Saltarello: Presto
