Violin Sonata in F minor (Mendelssohn)

Not to be confused with Violin Sonata in F major (1820) (Mendelssohn) or Violin Sonata in F major (1838) (Mendelssohn).

The Violin Sonata (No. 2) in F minor, Op. 4, MWV Q 12 for violin and piano was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1823^[1] and is the only one to carry an opus number. Mendelssohn composed two other violin sonatas, both in F major, that were not published in his lifetime. This was published with a dedication to his friend and violin teacher, Eduard Rietz, who was also dedicatee of the composer's Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20.^[2]

Movements

The work has three movements:

1. Adagio – Allegro moderato
2. Poco adagio
3. Allegro agitato

A typical performance lasts about 22 minutes.

Unlike his more famous violin work, the Violin Concerto in E minor, this sonata lacks dramatic exposition. It does contain a calm beauty that is typical of the composer's chamber music, and it demonstrates the brilliance of his early compositions.

References

1. Anderson, Keith. "About this Recording". Naxos Records.
2. Anderson 2001

• Anderson, Keith (2001). Liner Notes to Mendelssohn: Works for Violin and Piano (Complete) (CD). Naxos Records. 8.554725.
• Todd, R. Larry (2003). Mendelssohn: A Life in Music. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-511043-9.

External links

• Violin Sonata in F major, Op. 4: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project