[Schumann, Robert. (1810–1856)] [Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix. (1809–1847)] [Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra]
Original 1851 Program including the Leipzig premiere of Schumann Symphony No. 3
"Montag, den 8. December 1851. Concert zum Besten des Orchester-Pensions-Fonds im Saale des Gewandhauses, unter Direction des Herrn Kapellmeister Julius Rietz." [Concert for the benefit of the pension fund for the Gewandhaus Orchestra under the direction of Julius Rietz.].A remarkable original program of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra directed by Rietz on 8th December, 1851. 2 pp., scattered foxing, mild surface creases, overall very fine. 7.25 x 9.5 inches (18.5 x 24 cm.)
The performance was in two parts. The first included the overture to Ruy Blas by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, a Fräulein Heffner performing a scene and Elvira's aria from Mozart's Don Juan, Raimond Dreyschock playing his Violin Concerto in D major, a duet from Louis Spohr's Jessonda, and Fräulein Jeanne Eyth playing Félix Godefroid's Introduction and Rondo grazioso for the harp. The second part of the concert consisted of the third ever performance of Schumann's Symphony No. 3 in E-flat (Schumann himself had conducted two earlier performances that year in Cologne and Dusseldorf), this being the Leipzig premiere.
Composed in just over a month in November 1850, Schumann’s Third Symphony dates from the beginning of his tenure as municipal music director in Düsseldorf, a town situated on the famously scenic Rhine River. The nickname “Rhenish”—having to do with the Rhine and its surroundings—quickly attached itself to the work. Although this moniker did not derive from the composer himself, Schumann wryly noted that the symphony “perhaps reflects something of Rhenish life here and there.” (18491)
Program, unsigned Classical Music