Mendelssohn's Octet, composed for Eduard Ritz's 23rd birthday, is considered one of his most innovative works and marks his compositional 'breakthrough'.
Composition History
By the age of fifteen, Mendelssohn had composed around 150 works, including thirteen string symphonies and four stage works, many of which were performed at Sunday concerts in his home.
Compositional Technique
Unlike Louis Spohr's 'Double Quartet', Mendelssohn's Octet treats the eight string instruments as a single entity, with individual parts having a more distinctive profile.
Performer Biography
Richard Tognetti, the Australian violinist and conductor, was awarded the Tschumi Prize as the top graduate soloist at the Bern Conservatory in 1989.
Composer Biography
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy was considered one of the 'greats' among the many prodigies of the 19th century, praised for his mastery of piano playing and compositional genius.
Composition History
Mendelssohn composed the Double Concerto for Violin, Piano and Strings for himself and his violin teacher and friend, Eduard Ritz, with whom he gave the first performance.
Interpretation
Mendelssohn instructed that his Octet should be played 'in the style of a symphony in all parts', with precise and sharply emphasized dynamics.
You might also enjoy...
Mendelssohn, Felix: Concertos for 2 Pianos and Orchestra
Mendelssohn: Streichquintette, Op. 18 und, Op. 87
Mendelssohn: Early Works for Piano & Strings
Gade, N. / Mendelssohn: String Octets
Mendelssohn: Works for Clarinet & Piano
Guitar Quartet Arrangements - Mendelssohn, Felix / Chopin, F. / Schubert, F.
Mendelssohn - Chamber Works
Mendelssohn: Octet, Op. 20 & Romance Sans Paroles
Mendelssohn: Complete Works For Cello And Piano (L'intégrale Pour Violoncelle Et Piano)
Mendelssohn, Felix: Songs Without Words (Arr. for Flute and Piano)
Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Nos. 1 -2 & Songs Without Words
