Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

Dec 6, 1828

Publication Date

:

1981

First Performance

:

Nov 14, 1829

Average_duration

:

8:50

Felix Mendelssohn composed "Hora est in G minor/A major" in 1826 when he was just 17 years old. The piece premiered in Berlin on March 11, 1827, at the Sing-Akademie zu Berlin, where Mendelssohn was a member. The piece is divided into two movements, with the first movement in G minor and the second in A major. The first movement is marked "Allegro con fuoco" and begins with a dramatic and intense introduction. The main theme is then introduced in the strings, which is followed by a more lyrical second theme in the woodwinds. The development section is characterized by intricate counterpoint and a sense of urgency, leading to a powerful recapitulation of the main theme. The movement ends with a fiery coda. The second movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is much more serene and introspective than the first. The main theme is introduced by the strings and is then passed around to the woodwinds. The middle section features a beautiful melody in the oboe, which is then echoed by the other instruments. The movement ends with a peaceful coda, bringing the piece to a gentle close. Overall, "Hora est in G minor/A major" showcases Mendelssohn's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create both dramatic and lyrical music. Despite being composed at a young age, the piece displays a level of sophistication and maturity that would become a hallmark of Mendelssohn's later works.

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