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Episode details

Radio 3,18 Aug 2026,59 mins

SeriesFelix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

London Calling

Composer of the Week

Available for 29 days

This week, Kate Molleson follows Felix Mendelssohn's journeys across Europe. Today, the 20-year-old composer arrives in London – a city he would come to adore. Battling seasickness, social expectations and musical politics, Mendelssohn quickly wins over audiences with his brilliance as a conductor, pianist and composer. From triumphant Philharmonic Society concerts to encounters with industrial pioneers and London's cultural elite, we explore the beginnings of a lifelong love affair between Mendelssohn and Britain. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11 (1829 London Version): Scherzo London Symphony Orchestra Sir John Eliot Gardiner, conductor Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27 Bamberger Symphoniker Claus Peter Flor, conductor Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11: Allegro di molto Chamber Orchestra of Europe RIAS Kammerchor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten Nanette Mans, soprano Ars Musica Patrick van der Linden, conductor Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25: I and II Jan Lisiecki, piano Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

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Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.11 (3rd mvt)
    Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.11 (3rd mvt)
    Felix Mendelssohn
  3. 2.
    Calm Sea and a Prosperous Voyage, Op.27
    Calm Sea and a Prosperous Voyage, Op.27
    Felix Mendelssohn
  4. 3.
    Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.11 (1st mvt)
    Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.11 (1st mvt)
    Felix Mendelssohn
  5. 4.
    Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten
    Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten
    Felix Mendelssohn
  6. 5.
    Piano Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.25
    Piano Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.25
    Felix Mendelssohn