Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Joana Mallwitz

Emilie Mayer had no fear of tackling the great works of world literature – and quite rightly so: her Faust Overture was frequently performed in the years following its publication in 1880 and received much critical acclaim. In 1838, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy wrote to the violinist and childhood friend Ferdinand David that the opening of a concerto in E minor was constantly on his mind.