Mendelssohn - Symphony No 4 in A Major "Italian" - first two movements

Step onto the podium beside one of the great conductors of the modern era and watch him shape Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, the sunlit "Italian". In this masterclass Kurt Masur works through the first two movements in detail, then four students each conduct a movement in a complete performance - so you see the ideas tested in real time and can carry his sense of phrasing, balance and momentum straight back to your own score.

It is a rare chance to learn this bright, buoyant work from someone with a direct line to its composer. For 26 years Masur was Kapellmeister of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, following Wilhelm Furtwangler, Bruno Walter and Mendelssohn himself, who led the orchestra for twelve years until his death in 1847. At the time of this class he had recently marked 60 years as a maestro.

A little background on the music: Mendelssohn drew the Italian from a trip south, sketching it in 1830 amid the landscapes and romantic feelings of his travels and completing it in 1833. It was long held to be his finest symphony, until the Scottish later took that crown.

Students: Daniele Rustioni, Huba Hollokoy.

In partnership with The Masterclass Media Foundation Archives, which provides a valuable educational resource in order to perpetuate musical passion and knowledge from one generation to another. [MMF032]