Better remembered as a violinist than as a composer, Ferdinand David worked with Mendelssohn as leader of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, remaining in this position from 1836 until his death. Respected as a teacher and editor, particularly of violin studies, he was also a prolific composer in a style typical of its period and place. He gave the first performance of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, on which he had given the composer advice.