Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

Feb 6, 1838

Publication Date

:

1839

First Performance

:

Mar 1, 1840

Average_duration

:

33:52

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 5 in E flat major, Op.44/3, was composed in 1838 and premiered in Leipzig on October 30 of the same year. The quartet is part of a set of three quartets, Op.44, which Mendelssohn composed during a period of great creativity and productivity. The quartet is divided into four movements. The first movement, marked Allegro vivace, is in sonata form and begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the first violin. The second movement, Scherzo: Assai leggiero vivace, is a playful and light-hearted scherzo with a trio section that features a pizzicato accompaniment. The third movement, Adagio non troppo, is a slow and lyrical movement that showcases Mendelssohn's gift for melody. The final movement, Molto allegro con fuoco, is a fast and fiery finale that brings the quartet to a thrilling conclusion. One of the characteristics of Mendelssohn's string quartets is his use of counterpoint, which is evident throughout this work. The quartet also features Mendelssohn's signature use of chromaticism, which adds a sense of tension and drama to the music. The quartet is also notable for its use of dynamic contrasts, with sudden shifts from loud to soft and back again. Overall, Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 5 in E flat major, Op.44/3, is a masterful work that showcases the composer's skill as a writer for the string quartet. Its combination of technical virtuosity and emotional depth make it a beloved work in the string quartet repertoire.

More....