Album insights
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, renowned as one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century, achieved legendary status through his performances and improvisations. While his piano compositions didn't quite match up to the best of the era, he created meticulously crafted Lieder ohne Worte, showcasing a refined Romanticism. Despite criticisms, Mendelssohn's technical demands on pianists were not as extreme as Liszt's works.
Throughout the 20th century, common perceptions reflected these critical views of Mendelssohn's piano music. Factors like anti-Victorianism and the ban on his music during the Nazi era tarnished his reputation, epitomizing him as a mere provider of salon music. However, in the midst of a Mendelssohn renaissance today, a reevaluation of his piano works is underway.
Howard Shelley’s comprehensive recording of Mendelssohn’s solo piano works offers a chance to delve into his nearly 200 piano compositions. Among these works, the Piano Sonata in G minor, Op. 105, contrasts Mendelssohn’s youthful compositions with those from the zenith of his fame. This sonata, along with other pieces, demonstrates Mendelssohn's evolution as a composer.
Mendelssohn's preference for smaller genres over grand compositions is evident in his piano works. For instance, the Scherzo in B minor, WoO2, embodies a diminutive yet expressive quality, deftly contrasting Chopin's experimental approach. As the world revisits Mendelssohn’s piano repertoire, a reappreciation of his varied styles, including virtuosic elements in Etudes and light-hearted melodies in “Lieder ohne Worte,” is underway.
The compositions of Mendelssohn, like the Etude in F minor, WoO1, offer insights into his experimental spirit, adapting to the evolving trends in piano music. His keen exploration of various styles, typified by his Lieder ohne Worte, showcases a composer delving into both traditional and innovative forms. Mendelssohn’s engagement with diverse genres highlights his versatility and enduring influence in the realm of piano music.