Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

May 18, 1823

Average_duration

:

10:23

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn's Sinfonia for string orchestra No. 10 in B minor, also known as the "Italian Symphony," was composed in 1833 and premiered in Leipzig on March 13, 1834. The symphony is divided into four movements and is approximately 30 minutes in length. The first movement, marked Allegro vivace, begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the violins. The theme is then passed on to the other string sections, creating a sense of unity and cohesion. The movement features a number of contrasting themes, including a lyrical second theme played by the cellos and a more dramatic third theme played by the violins. The movement ends with a recapitulation of the main theme, bringing the movement to a thrilling conclusion. The second movement, marked Andante con moto, is a lyrical and expressive piece that features a beautiful melody played by the violins. The movement is characterized by its use of counterpoint, with the different string sections weaving in and out of each other to create a rich and complex texture. The third movement, marked Con moto moderato, is a playful and lively scherzo that features a number of rhythmic and melodic motifs. The movement is notable for its use of pizzicato, with the strings plucking their instruments to create a percussive effect. The final movement, marked Saltarello: Presto, is a fast and energetic piece that draws on the traditional Italian dance form known as the saltarello. The movement features a number of virtuosic passages for the violins, as well as a number of dramatic shifts in tempo and dynamics. The movement ends with a thrilling coda that brings the symphony to a rousing conclusion. Overall, Mendelssohn's Sinfonia for string orchestra No. 10 in B minor is a masterful work that showcases the composer's skill at crafting complex and engaging music for string orchestra. The symphony is characterized by its use of contrasting themes, rich textures, and virtuosic passages, and remains a beloved work in the classical repertoire to this day.

More....