ABSTRACT
Almost three years passed before Felix Mendelssohn returned to England, during which time he completed his grand tour of Europe. After a five-month sojourn in Berlin – where he finished his 'Reformation' Symphony – he travelled south in May 1830, pausing in Weimar for what would be his last visit with Goethe, continuing to Munich, Vienna and Bratislava, and arriving in Italy in October. Upon his return to London, Mendelssohn was welcomed by friends and colleagues. As a composer, Mendelssohn was productive in Düsseldorf, revising his Meeresstille and Melusine overtures, and also the Rondo brillant. He composed the concert aria Infelice, as well as songs and piano pieces. During the mid-1830s there were other Mendelssohn performances in English cities and towns. Similarly, Mendelssohn maintained an active interest in England. Mendelssohn was impressed with Birmingham Town Hall, a neo-classical edifice built in 1834, but was disheartened to learn how little rehearsal time had been made available to him.
