Ferdinand Hiller’s Early Orchestral Works as Assessed by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy [Ferdinand Hillers frühe Orchesterwerke im Urteil Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdys]

Abstract

This article examines Hiller’s early orchestral compositions according to criteria set down by Mendelssohn and aims to illuminate new aspects regarding the relationship between the two composers. Mendelssohn rejected Hiller’s Faust Overture in view of its proximity to French paragons (especially Berlioz), while he favorably regarded both the Lustspiel Overture in E major and the two middle movements of the Symphony in E minor owing to their development of classical paradigms (form, structure, compositional development). Mendelssohn’s criticism was chiefly directed at what he saw as Hiller’s insufficient treatment of motivic-thematic material, especially in the Concert Overture in D minor. Hiller later defended himself against these criticisms, although he did follow Mendelssohn’s advice in the overture’s revision. © Franz Steiner Verlag, Stuttgart 2022.