Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

Jul 23, 1825

Publication Date

:

1825

Average_duration

:

6:42

Felix Mendelssohn composed his Capriccio for piano in F sharp minor, Op. 5 in 1825, when he was just 16 years old. The piece premiered in Berlin in the same year, with Mendelssohn himself performing on the piano. The Capriccio is a single-movement work that lasts around 10 minutes. It is characterized by its virtuosic piano writing, with rapid runs and arpeggios throughout. The piece is also notable for its use of chromaticism, with frequent modulations and unexpected harmonic shifts. The Capriccio begins with a slow, melancholy introduction in F sharp minor. This leads into the main section of the piece, which is marked Allegro con fuoco (fast and fiery). The main theme is introduced in the right hand, with the left hand providing a driving accompaniment. The theme is then developed through a series of variations, with the left hand taking on a more prominent role. The middle section of the Capriccio is marked Andante con moto (moderately slow and with motion). Here, Mendelssohn introduces a new theme in the key of A major. This theme is more lyrical and introspective than the main theme, and provides a contrast to the virtuosic writing of the opening section. The final section of the Capriccio returns to the main theme, which is now played in octaves in the right hand. The left hand provides a thunderous accompaniment, building to a dramatic climax. The piece ends with a virtuosic coda, featuring rapid runs and arpeggios in both hands. Overall, Mendelssohn's Capriccio for piano in F sharp minor, Op. 5 is a virtuosic and highly expressive work. It showcases the composer's skill as a pianist and his ability to create music that is both technically demanding and emotionally powerful.

More....