Album insights
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809–1845) showcased exceptional genius in various areas. He demonstrated maturity as a composer at a young age of sixteen in 1825, proven earlier as a prodigious pianist and violinist, a remarkable athlete and swimmer, a talented poet, linguist, watercolorist, and philosopher. While excelling in multiple fields, it was music that primarily ignited his creative imagination.
A child prodigy, Mendelssohn excelled at piano and soon attracted the admiration of Goethe with his improvisational skills. By 1821, Mendelssohn had composed several significant works, including a violin sonata, three piano sonatas, and two operas. His refined piano style later drew inspiration not from orchestral textures like Beethoven or Schubert, but from the delicate intricacies of the German virtuoso piano school.
Mendelssohn's early instrumental concertos, including the famous Violin Concerto in E minor, emerged in 1822. These were soon followed by works for violin, piano, and strings, with pieces for two pianos like the E major concerto thought to be dedicated to his sister Fanny. Another concerto in A major was likely influenced by a young pianist named Ignaz Moscheles, who was amazed by Mendelssohn's extraordinary talent.
Critics argue that Mendelssohn's double keyboard concertos sometimes overstretched weak musical material due to his effort in evenly distributing music between two soloists, resulting in numerous repetitions. However, achieving thematic conciseness of works like the E minor Violin Concerto at such an early age was unwarranted, considering his creativity and structural coherence were still developing.
The E major concerto's introductory tutti introduced Mendelssohn's signature expression of dreamy tranquility. Even amidst downward chromaticism reminiscent of Mozart, his compositions retained a light, spirited quality. The central adagio displayed his penchant for lyrical Arioso styles, marrying them with Hummel's virtuosic flair, setting him apart from his contemporaries.
In contrast, the Concerto for Two Pianos in A major emphasized internal balance and structural proportions over flashiness, echoing hints of Mozart. The piece showcased Mendelssohn's progress in self-expression and structure, another sign of his evolving compositional maturity alongside his fondness for the E major concerto.
The wistful Andante hinted at future works like the slow movement of the G minor Piano Concerto, showcasing early signs of musical self-assurance despite occasional hints of hesitancy. Concluding with a lively Allegro vivace, the work playfully balanced exuberance with moments of contrapuntal skill, revealing Mendelssohn's youthful creativity and refreshing originality.
With his keen intellect and creativity blooming at just fifteen, Mendelssohn, through his works, suggested the promise of an artist poised on the brink of artistic maturity.