Mendelssohn spent seven years tinkering on the original before it was completed in 1844. Even after he sent it to the publisher, he continued to make up to 100 changes with the help of violinist Ferdinand David, who later premiered the work.

If you're familiar with the well-known revised version, several passages on this recording may be surprising, especially where Mendelssohn transposed the solo line up or down an octave.

The cadenza in the original 1844 version is more mysterious, and less flamboyant.

Daniel Hope has written a book to coincide with the release of this new recording. It explores his own German roots.

There is a connection to Mendelssohn in his family tree.