Presents
Arnold Mendelssohn
Violin Sonata in C Major, Op.71
Arnold Mendelssohn (1855-1933) was a distant relation to Felix Mendelssohn. His early schooling took place in Berlin and Danzig. His formal music training was at the Royal Church Institute of Berlin where he studied organ, piano and composition with Friedrich Kiel. He subsequently worked as an organist at churches in Bonn and Bielefeld, eventually teaching at the Cologne Conservatory where Paul Hindemith was among his many students. He composed nearly 300 works in virtually every genre from opera to chamber music, although he was perhaps best known for his church music. He was widely respected as a composer of the Neo-Romantic Style and his music was frequently performed until it was outlawed by the Nazi Regime, after which it lay forgotten for many years and is only now being rediscovered.
Mendelssohn worte his only Violin Sonata in 1917 at which time he was 62, yet listening to it, one gets the distinct impression it was composed by a much younger man. The opening movement, Allegro, is restless, full of energy and light-hearted. The Andante mesto which follows while not overly sad, does have a melancholy, reflective air about it. But there is also a searching, striving mood to be found as well. The Allegretto scherzo which comes third, begins as a kind of march, at times plodding, at other times wildly racing about. The rollacking finale, Allegro molto, is upbeat and playful, a fitting conclusion to a fine sonata.
There is no question but that this first rate work belongs in the recital hall. It is an excellent example of late romantic, early modern writing. It is also to be recommended to experienced amateurs.
Parts: $24.95
