A classicist to the core, this composer helped reintroduce the German public to Bach's towering St. Matthew Passion. In addition to conducting and performing, Mendelssohn also helped usher in the era of the short symphonic drama, or tone poem. When combined with his mastery of earlier traditions, Mendelssohn's desire to keep audiences entertained resulted in popular works like the Violin Concerto in E Minor, which retains its appeal for audiences and virtuoso players alike.