Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quintet

Compose Date

:

Mar 31, 1826

Publication Date

:

1833

Average_duration

:

30:34

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn's String Quintet No. 1 in A major, Op. 18, was composed in 1826 when he was just 17 years old. It premiered on November 30, 1832, in Berlin, with the composer himself playing the viola part. The quintet is written for two violins, two violas, and one cello, and is divided into four movements. The first movement, marked Allegro con moto, begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the first violin. The second violin and viola then join in, followed by the cello. The theme is developed throughout the movement, with each instrument taking turns playing it and adding their own variations. The movement ends with a coda that brings back the main theme in a triumphant manner. The second movement, marked Intermezzo: Andante sostenuto, is a slow and melancholic piece. It begins with a mournful melody played by the first violin, accompanied by pizzicato chords from the other instruments. The melody is then passed on to the other instruments, with each adding their own variations. The movement ends quietly, with the first violin playing a soft, descending melody. The third movement, marked Scherzo: Allegro di molto, is a lively and playful piece. It begins with a fast and rhythmic theme played by the first violin, accompanied by pizzicato chords from the other instruments. The theme is then passed on to the other instruments, with each adding their own variations. The movement ends with a coda that brings back the main theme in a frenzied manner. The fourth and final movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a fast and energetic piece. It begins with a lively theme played by the first violin, accompanied by fast and rhythmic chords from the other instruments. The theme is then passed on to the other instruments, with each adding their own variations. The movement ends with a coda that brings back the main theme in a triumphant manner. Overall, Mendelssohn's String Quintet No. 1 in A major, Op. 18, is a youthful and exuberant work that showcases the composer's skill in writing for string instruments. The piece is characterized by its lively themes, intricate variations, and masterful use of the five instruments. It remains a popular work in the string quintet repertoire to this day.

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