Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sextet

Compose Date

:

May 10, 1824

Publication Date

:

1868

Average_duration

:

30:49

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn's Sextet in D major, Op. 110, was composed in 1824 when he was just 15 years old. It premiered in Berlin in 1825, with Mendelssohn himself playing the viola part. The sextet is comprised of six movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a lively and energetic sonata form. The opening theme is introduced by the first violin and is then passed around to the other instruments. The second theme is more lyrical and is played by the cello. The development section explores the themes further before returning to the recapitulation. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a beautiful and melancholic slow movement. The first violin plays a mournful melody over a simple accompaniment, which is then taken up by the other instruments. The middle section is more agitated, with a faster tempo and more complex harmonies, before returning to the opening theme. The third movement, marked Menuetto, is a playful and dance-like scherzo. The main theme is introduced by the first violin and is then passed around to the other instruments. The trio section is more lyrical and features a beautiful melody played by the cello. The fourth movement, marked Andante, is a lyrical and expressive slow movement. The first violin plays a beautiful melody over a simple accompaniment, which is then taken up by the other instruments. The middle section is more agitated, with a faster tempo and more complex harmonies, before returning to the opening theme. The fifth movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a lively and energetic scherzo. The main theme is introduced by the first violin and is then passed around to the other instruments. The trio section is more lyrical and features a beautiful melody played by the cello. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a lively and energetic sonata form. The opening theme is introduced by the first violin and is then passed around to the other instruments. The second theme is more lyrical and is played by the cello. The development section explores the themes further before returning to the recapitulation. Overall, Mendelssohn's Sextet in D major, Op. 110, is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases his early talent as a composer. The six movements are varied in character and showcase Mendelssohn's skill in writing for a small ensemble.

More....