Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

Oct 17, 1823

First Performance

:

Dec 7, 1823

Average_duration

:

30:18

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn's Concerto for 2 pianos & orchestra in E major was composed in 1823 when the composer was just 14 years old. The piece was premiered in Berlin on March 17, 1824, with Mendelssohn and his sister Fanny performing as the soloists. The concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked Allegro vivace, begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the orchestra. The two pianos then enter with a virtuosic duet, showcasing their technical abilities. The movement features a number of themes and variations, with the pianos and orchestra trading off melodies and accompaniment. The second movement, marked Adagio non troppo, is a beautiful and lyrical piece. The pianos play a delicate and expressive melody, accompanied by the orchestra. The movement is notable for its use of counterpoint, with the two pianos weaving intricate lines around each other. The final movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and joyful piece. The pianos and orchestra play off each other in a series of playful and virtuosic exchanges. The movement features a number of themes and variations, building to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, Mendelssohn's Concerto for 2 pianos & orchestra in E major is a masterful work, showcasing the composer's prodigious talent at a young age. The piece is notable for its technical demands, intricate counterpoint, and joyful energy. It remains a popular work in the piano concerto repertoire.

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