Two lively and wonderfully satisfying Mendelssohn symphonies are featured in this 7th Volume of 19th Century Masterworks.

Felix Mendelssohn's two most famous symphonies are presented here in engaging new recordings. The first, Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56 is popularly known as "The Scottish Symphony" mostly because Mendelssohn started composing it while visiting Scotland in 1829. It was not completed or performed until 1845. The second movement of the symphony has a distinct Scottish folk music quality.

Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, better known as "The Italian Symphony" was also inspired by a trip to Italy and though it is known as the fourth symphony, it was actually completed and performed several years before the third (Scottish) symphony.

You can hear the distinct Italian flavor in the first movement of the piece. The second movement is slower and reflects a more serious and religious attitude. Movements three and four are light and airy and incorporate many dance forms. Though Mendelssohn was never fully satisfied with this work, it has gone on to become one of his most performed and admired compositions.