Written after Mendelssohn visited Fingal's Cave off the coast of Scotland, this music showcases the composer's comment that it is "in pictures, ruins and natural surroundings that I find the most music." Throughout the overture, one feels the undulation of the sea, the swirling waters washing up onto the formation, and the mesmerizing enchantment of his experience. (3:15)
The vivid imagery of "little critters" scurrying about at night inspires the melodic lines and creative harmonies used throughout this programmatic work. Beginning soft and mischievous, the music builds as new critters join the fun in a playful dialogue. The harmonic language moves between moments of pleasant consonance and slight dissonance (because as we all know, some people love little critters and some people are terrified of them!). A highly imaginative, playable work! (Grade 1, Dur 2:15)
