Mendelssohn Concerto no. 1 for competition?

[gapoc459]

I've recently fallen in love with this composer. I would like to play this piece for my school's concerto competition. Is this is a good idea or not? Any other recommendations?

I was thinking Brahms d minor or Beethoven emperor, but they're too long (first movement only; I think Mendelssohn could count as one movement), Chopin I might as well play without orchestra, and Rach 1 seems a bit difficult (for both). I don't like Rach 2 or 4 and 3 is out of the question . I've heard that Mendelssohn is pretty easy; but I read a considerable amount, and although not terrible, it certainly seems harder (technically) than Beethoven or some other Romantic concertos. All the same, could this hurt me in the competition?

Any recordings you recommend? My favorite is Perahia, but even that I don't love completely. I can't find anything on YouTube that I really like.

[thalbergmad]

My favorite is Perahia, but even that I don't love completely. I can't find anything on YouTube that I really like.

I have never found a recording I really liked either. I came to the conclusion that the work is reasonably dull and tries too hard not to be.

Weber 1 or 2 or the Konzertstuck is along the same lines, but clearly superior.

Thal

[j_menz]

reasonably dull and tries too hard not to be.

Mendelssohn in a nutshell really.

[the_fervid_pig]

I love Mendelssohn! Some of the Songs Without Words are very beautiful, he had a wonderful feel for melody, imho.