LXI. MENDELSSOHN, Felix: Octet for Strings, Op. 20

LXI. MENDELSSOHN, Felix (1809-1847)

String Octet in E-Flat Major, Op. 20 (1825)
1. Allegro moderato ma con fuoco
2. Andante
3. Scherzo: Allegro leggierissimo
4. Presto
Jasper String Quartet
Jupiter String Quartet
(33:16)

What cohones!

This 16-year-old kid decides to give a birthday present to his violin teacher, so he writes a work for double string quartet -- a very unusual combination for the time.

Not only that, but it is a work of such exquisite beauty and power that still amazes us today -- from a composer of any age!

The entire piece is an absolute joy. My favorite part is the Scherzo (22:22); said to be inspired by "Walpurgis Night's Dream" from Goethe's Faust.

The old poet's meeting with Mendelssohn (age 12) ...