Mendelssohn: Complete Piano Quartets

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) was one of the most extraordinary child prodigies in history. At age 15 he was declared by his teacher Carl Zelter a mature musician “in the brotherhood of Bach, Mozart and Haydn”. By that age he had already composed symphonies, choral works, Singspiele, 4 concertos, piano and organ works. Mendelssohn wrote his 4 Piano Quartets (for piano and string trio) between 1821 and 1824 (between his 12th and 15th year..), forming his Opus 1, 2 and 3. Clearly modelled on Mozart’s Classical Style, they are vintage Mendelssohn: brilliant, virtuoso, containing clever counterpoint, strongly melodic both in the fast movements as in the slow movements (characteristic “Lieder ohne Worte”), the Scherzi foreshadowing his Sommernachtstraum music. Played with fire and youthful enthusiasm, as well as tenderness and lyricism by pianist Matteo Fossi and Duccio Ceccanti, Edoardo Rosadini and Alice Gabiani. Composer: Felix Mendelssohn Artist: Quartetto Klimt Early, little-known, free