Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonatina

Compose Date

:

Dec 13, 1821

Average_duration

:

5:18

Felix Mendelssohn composed his Sonatina for piano in E major in 1825, when he was just 16 years old. The piece was premiered in Berlin in the same year, with Mendelssohn himself playing the piano. The Sonatina is a three-movement work, with a total duration of approximately 10 minutes. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, is in sonata form. It begins with a lively and cheerful theme in the piano's right hand, which is then repeated in the left hand. The second theme is more lyrical and is introduced by the right hand. The development section explores both themes, with the left hand taking on a more prominent role. The recapitulation brings back the themes in their original keys, and the movement ends with a coda that features a virtuosic display of the piano's capabilities. The second movement, marked Andante, is a lyrical and expressive piece in A major. It features a simple and beautiful melody that is first introduced by the right hand, and then repeated by the left hand. The middle section of the movement is more dramatic and features a series of arpeggios in the right hand. The opening melody returns, and the movement ends with a gentle and peaceful coda. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a lively and energetic piece in E major. It is in rondo form, with a recurring theme that is interspersed with contrasting sections. The theme is introduced by the right hand and is then repeated by the left hand. The contrasting sections feature a variety of textures and rhythms, including a playful staccato section and a more lyrical section in B major. The movement ends with a virtuosic display of the piano's capabilities, with the right hand playing a rapid and intricate passage while the left hand provides a driving accompaniment. Overall, Mendelssohn's Sonatina for piano in E major is a charming and delightful work that showcases the composer's early talent and skill. The piece is characterized by its lively and cheerful melodies, expressive lyricism, and virtuosic piano writing.

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