Album insights
Mendelssohn's published works for cello and piano, alongside an unpublished fragment, are captured in this recording for the first time. These lively pieces, overlooked for years, are now making their way back into the popular repertoire. Mendelssohn's music suffered under romantic performance traditions, which distorted its true character, making it sound pompous and sentimental. His influences stemmed from Bach and Mozart, emphasizing a classical connection rather than aligning with his famous romantic contemporaries. The Sonata in B Major, Op. 45, created in early 1838, marked a significant period in Mendelssohn's life, coinciding with the birth of his first child. In Leipzig, where Mendelssohn resided and directed orchestral concerts, his innovative approach greatly impacted German music culture. The Variations concertantes, written in 1829, demonstrate Mendelssohn's early melodic charm and influence of classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven. The Sonata in D Major, Op. 58, a passionate and potent piece, showcases a more romantic side of Mendelssohn, contrasting with his earlier works. Composed in 1843, the Sonata in D Major represents a tumultuous time in Mendelssohn's life, filled with ambitious but often frustrated projects. A period in Berlin saw Mendelssohn immersed in various musical duties before refocusing on his passion project—the founding of the Conservatory in Leipzig. Amidst personal upheavals, responsibilities, and public obligations, Mendelssohn managed to create some of his finest works, including the Cello Sonata in D Major. The unreleased Assai tranquillo, a short piece composed en route from Düsseldorf to Leipzig, illustrates Mendelssohn's dedication to music and his personal connections. Lastly, Mendelssohn's final work for cello and piano, the Song without Words, Op. 109, stands as a testament to his legacy, being part of a remarkable series of lyrical compositions spanning his career.