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Mendelssohn Visits the Hebrides--August 7, 1829

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler
Published August 6, 2025 at 7:47 PM EDT
Top: Sketch of a scene from the Scottish coast by Felix Mendelssohn found in his letter of August 1, 1829 to his sister Fanny. Bottom: Initial sketch for the opening theme of the "Hebrides" Overture, found in a letter to his sister Fanny, dated August 7, 1829. (Originals in the Music Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.)
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Top: Sketch of a scene from the Scottish coast by Felix Mendelssohn found in his letter of August 1, 1829 to his sister Fanny. Bottom: Initial sketch for the opening theme of the "Hebrides" Overture, found in a letter to his sister Fanny, dated August 7, 1829. (Originals in the Music Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.)

Tune in to Classical Music with Foley Schuler Thursday afternoon as Foley reflects on an excursion of Felix Mendelssohn that would inspire one of the composer's best-known works.

On August 7, 1829, as part of a walking tour of the Scottish Highlands, Felix Mendelssohn made an excursion to the Scottish island of Staffa, famed for its basalt sea cave known as Fingal's Cave. Mendelssohn was so inspired by the natural wonder before him that he immediately jotted down the opening theme for a new composition after seeing the island. Initially he called the work "To the Lonely Island," before settling on the present title, The Hebrides. Though designated an overture, some consider it one of the earliest examples of the symphonic poem in music. We'll hear that and much more Thursday afternoon on Blue Lake Public Radio.

You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon on Blue Lake Public Radio.

Foley Schuler
Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 5 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.
See stories by Foley Schuler