On This Day

Felix Mendelssohn's concert overture "Hebrides" premieres in London, England

The Hebrides (German: Die Hebriden) is a concert overture that was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1830, revised in 1832, and published the next year as Mendelssohn's Op. 26.

The Hebrides (German: Die Hebriden) is a concert overture that was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1830, revised in 1832, and published the next year as Mendelssohn's Op. 26. Some consider it an early tone poem.

It was inspired by one of Mendelssohn's trips to the British Isles, specifically an 1829 excursion to the Scottish island of Staffa, with its basalt sea cave known as Fingal's Cave. It was reported that the composer immediately jotted down the opening theme for his composition after seeing the island. He at first called the work To the Lonely Island or Zur einsamen Insel, but then settled on the present title.

Historical Significance

The Hebrides (German: Die Hebriden) is a concert overture that was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1830, revised in 1832, and published the next year as Mendelssohn's Op.

Key People

Felix Mendelssohn

Musician

German composer

Events Before

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  2. Soldier and future Confederate General Robert E. Lee (24) marries Mary Custis (22) at Arlington House, Arlington Virgini

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  3. "America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)" with lyrics by Samuel Francis Smith has its first public performance at Park Street

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  5. Michael Faraday demonstrates his dynamo invention, an electric generator

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Events After

  1. Curaçao census: 2,602 white people, 6,531 free people, 5,894 enslaved people

    Curaçao census: 2,602 white people, 6,531 free people, 5,894 enslaved people

  2. French composer Hector Berlioz (29) weds Irish actress Harriet Smithson (30) at the British Embassy in Paris, France

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  3. The British Royal Navy arrives at the Falkland Islands and reasserts sovereignty

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  4. Britain seizes control of Falkland Islands in South Atlantic

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  5. Boston Academy of Music, first US music school, is established

    Boston Academy of Music, first US music school, is established

More from the 1830s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on May 14, 1832?
The Hebrides (German: Die Hebriden) is a concert overture that was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1830, revised in 1832, and published the next year as Mendelssohn's Op. 26. Some consider it an early tone poem.
Why is Felix Mendelssohn's concert overture "Hebrides" premieres in London, England significant?
The Hebrides (German: Die Hebriden) is a concert overture that was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1830, revised in 1832, and published the next year as Mendelssohn's Op.
Who was involved in Felix Mendelssohn's concert overture "Hebrides" premieres in London, England?
Key figures include Felix Mendelssohn (Musician).

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