The Hebrides (overture) overture state the theme Mendelssohn wrote while visiting the cave, and is played initially by the violas, cellos, and bassoons. This lyrical theme, suggestive of the power and stunning beauty of the cave, is intended to develop feelings of loneliness and solitude. The second theme, meanwhile, depicts movement at sea and "rolling waves". The piece is scored for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani and strings. Performances of the overture typically last between 10½ and 11 minutes. The autograph manuscript of the work is held in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. The Hebrides (overture)
Inner Hebrides people from Ireland to "Domon and to Erdomon in the north of Alba", which is mentioned in the 12th century "Lebor Gabála Érenn". Domon, meaning the "deep sea isle" refers to the Outer Hebrides and Erdomon, meaning "east of, on or near Domon" is thus the Inner Hebrides. The individual island and place names in the Outer Hebrides have mixed Gaelic and Norse origins. Although Ptolemy's map identifies various tribes such as the "Creones" that might conceivably have lived in the Inner Hebrides in the Roman era, the first written records of life begin in the 6th century AD when