The symphony no 4 in a major op 90 commonly known as the italian is an orchestral symphony written by german composer felix mendelssohn. The symphony no 4 in a major op 90 commonly known as the italian is an orchestral symphony written by german composer felix mendelssohn 1809 1847 th. In early 1833 mendelssohn completed his symphony no 4 in a major published posthumously as his op 90 he started the piece in italy in 1832 and finished it in berlin it was first performed in london on march 13 1833 and has since been mendelssohn s most popular symphony the composer gave the piece its nickname italian. Discover releases reviews track listings recommendations and more about mendelssohn mozart antal dorati minneapolis symphony orchestra symphony no 4 in a major op 90 italian symphony no 40 in g minor k 550 at discogs complete your mendelssohn mozart antal dorati minneapolis symphony orchestra collection. Italian symphony byname of symphony no 4 in a major op 90 orchestral work by german composer felix mendelssohn so named because it was intended to evoke the sights and sounds of italy its final movement which is among the most strongly dramatic music the composer ever wrote even uses the rhythms of neapolitan dances