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 in F minor, Op. 4, for violin and piano was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1823 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.

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, the sonata lacks a dramatic exposition. However, it does contain a calm beauty that is typical of the composer's chamber music, and it demonstrates the brilliancy of his early compositions.

References

• 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