Menuhin plays Mendelssohn

In 1947 “Concert Magic” was filmed in Hollywood making it the first ever concert filmed for movie audiences. In addition, many short films were made to fill the space between the traditional "double features". They were also often used as encores when enthusiastic audiences demanded them and feature works by composers whom no one knew Menuhin performed. Among these encores is an especially valuable rarity, the violin concerto of Felix Mendelssohn. The length (ca. 25 mins) prevented it from inclusion in the film. This footage shows Menuhin’s very first recorded performance of the violin concerto under Antal Dorati. Even music specialists are unaware of the existence of this previously unreleased material! Also available: A Violinist in Hollywood (35'58): Menuhin speaks about the origin of the film and reminisces about events which transpired at the time of the film as well as his life and career. On the Encores (10'45): Menuhin comments on his playing technique - is reactions and comments about the pieces are very personal.