Concert Critique: Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto at Dallas Symphony
This paper offers a concert critique of a program performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra on September 22–23, 2011, under conductor Jaap van Zweden and featuring Dutch violinist Simone Lamsma. The critique covers three works by Felix Mendelssohn: String Symphony No. 10, the Violin Concerto in E Minor, and Symphony No. 1. It provides biographical context for the composer, conductor, and soloist, then analyzes the structure, mood, and technical demands of each piece, with particular attention to the Violin Concerto's three movements and their challenges for the performer.
- Concert Details and Performers: Dallas Symphony program dates, conductor, and soloist
- Felix Mendelssohn: Biographical Background: Mendelssohn's life, influences, and major compositions
- Mendelssohn String Symphony No. 10: Structure and character of the opening piece
- The Violin Concerto in E Minor: Movement-by-movement analysis and technical demands
- Mendelssohn Symphony No. 1: Four-movement structure and performance history
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What makes this paper effective
- Provides clear structural analysis of each movement, including key signatures, tempo markings, and approximate durations, grounding the critique in musical detail.
- Combines biographical context for composer, conductor, and soloist with program notes, giving readers a well-rounded entry point into the performance.
- Identifies specific technical challenges — such as nimble fingering in the Andante and precision required in the Allegro molto vivace — linking performance demands to musical effect.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates descriptive music analysis, moving methodically through each piece's movements and connecting formal structure (key changes, tempo shifts, cadenza placement) to expressive character. This approach shows how a critic can translate musical terminology into accessible prose without oversimplifying the content.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens with logistical concert details and performer biographies, then transitions to a brief biography of Mendelssohn. It proceeds through each of the three programmed works in order of performance, devoting the most space to the Violin Concerto — the centerpiece — before briefly addressing Symphony No. 1. The progression from context to analysis mirrors standard concert-critique organization.
Concert Details and Performers
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra presented an all-Mendelssohn program on September 22 and 23, 2011. The orchestra was conducted by Jaap van Zweden, with Dutch violinist Simone Lamsma serving as the featured soloist. The three works performed were Mendelssohn's String Symphony No. 10, the Violin Concerto in E Minor, and Symphony No. 1.
Simone Lamsma is a Dutch-born performer who has appeared on concert stages around the world. She began playing the violin at the age of five and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in the United Kingdom. At the time of this performance, she performed on a 1718 Cremona violin (Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 2011).
Jaap van Zweden was born in Amsterdam and began his musical career as a violinist. At the age of 19, he became the youngest concertmaster ever appointed to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. He has since built an international reputation as a conductor, leading orchestras in venues across the world.
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