Clarity, lyricism, and classical balance define much of Felix Mendelssohn’s music. The German composer became one of the central figures of Romanticism, writing symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano works, songs, and oratorios. Major works such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Italian Symphony, the Violin Concerto, and Elijah show his gift for light orchestration, long melody, and formal clarity.