Although public concerts began to grow in number during the 19th century, the custom of holding concerts in private houses for invited guests continued to be a regular setting for musical performances. These “Salon” concerts provided an opportunity for like-minded people to gather and enjoy music, conversation and refreshments.
Two of the pieces which we will be playing this term were composed with this setting in mind. The young Mendelssohn composed his String Symphonies between 1821-23 when he was a young teenager, living with his parents in Berlin. It was said of his parents that “Europe came to their living room”, as they frequently organised Salons at their home with visitors including artists, musicians and scientists. For these occasions a small private orchestra was engaged to perform music, including these early compositions by their son Felix.
As the century progressed, Salon music became a popular genre in itself. It was often composed for solo piano, or piano with just one other instrument, and was mostly romantic in style. These compositions were usually fairly short and focused on either virtuoso displays of technique or emotional expression of a sentimental character.
Towards the end of the century, Elgar composed several pieces in this genre, including “Chanson de Nuit”, which we will be playing this term. Published in 1897, it was originally written for violin and piano but was later orchestrated by the composer. This orchestral version was first performed together with its companion piece “Chanson de Matin” at a Queen’s Hall Promenade concert, conducted by Henry Wood on 14th September 1901. By then a new century had dawned, but the beautiful music composed for the Salons of the previous century lived on for us all to enjoy today.
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