Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

Mar 31, 1824

Publication Date

:

1834

First Performance

:

Nov 14, 1824

Average_duration

:

31:31

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11 is the first symphony composed by Felix Mendelssohn. He composed this symphony when he was just 15 years old. The symphony premiered on November 25, 1824, in Berlin, Germany. The symphony has four movements and is approximately 30 minutes long. The first movement, marked Allegro di molto, is in sonata form. It begins with a dramatic introduction, featuring a descending C minor scale played by the strings. The main theme is then introduced by the woodwinds, which is followed by a second theme played by the strings. The development section features a fugato based on the main theme, and the movement ends with a recapitulation of the main themes. The second movement, marked Andante, is a lyrical and expressive piece in A-flat major. It features a beautiful melody played by the strings, which is then passed on to the woodwinds. The movement ends with a coda that brings back the main theme. The third movement, marked Menuetto, is a lively and playful scherzo in C minor. It features a fast and rhythmic main theme played by the strings, which is then passed on to the woodwinds. The trio section is in C major and features a more lyrical melody played by the horns. The fourth and final movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a fast and energetic piece in C minor. It begins with a dramatic introduction played by the strings, which is then followed by the main theme played by the woodwinds. The development section features a fugato based on the main theme, and the movement ends with a triumphant coda. Overall, Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11 is a remarkable achievement for a 15-year-old composer. It showcases Mendelssohn's talent for melody, harmony, and orchestration. The symphony is characterized by its dramatic and expressive themes, its use of counterpoint, and its overall sense of youthful energy and enthusiasm.

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