Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

September 11, 1826

Publication Date

:

1985

Average_duration

:

5:10

Felix Mendelssohn's Fugue for piano in E flat major, Op. 35, was composed in 1837 and premiered in Leipzig the same year. The piece is a single movement work, lasting approximately six minutes. The fugue begins with a bold and majestic theme in the tonic key of E flat major. This theme is then imitated by the other voices, creating a polyphonic texture. Mendelssohn employs a variety of techniques to develop the theme, including inversion, augmentation, and diminution. The fugue also features a number of episodes, which provide contrast to the main theme and allow for further development of the material. One of the most striking characteristics of Mendelssohn's Fugue for piano in E flat major is its clarity and transparency. Despite the complexity of the polyphonic texture, each voice is clearly delineated and the overall structure of the piece is easy to follow. This is due in part to Mendelssohn's skillful use of counterpoint, which allows each voice to maintain its independence while still contributing to the overall harmonic progression. Another notable feature of the fugue is its use of chromaticism. Mendelssohn employs chromatic harmonies and melodic lines to create tension and drama, particularly in the episodes. This use of chromaticism was a hallmark of Mendelssohn's style and is evident in many of his other works. Overall, Mendelssohn's Fugue for piano in E flat major is a masterful example of the fugue form. Its clarity, transparency, and use of chromaticism make it a compelling and engaging work for both performers and listeners.

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