Progetto Martha Argerich

italiano

Works

Felix Mendelssohn

Concerto no. 1 in E Major for two pianos and orchestra

 

It has been said many times that Felix Mendelssohn’s exceptional creative precocity could hold its own even next to that of Mozart, and an encounter with the Concerto in E Major for two pianos and orchestra can only provide further confirmation of this assumption. Mendelssohn wrote it at the age of fourteen, in 1823; the first performance took place at his family’s home on 14 November of the following year, with the composer himself and his sister, Fanny as soloists. The work was obviously influenced by the Concerto in E-flat Major for two pianos and orchestra, K. 365, that the young Mozart had composed in 1779 (when he was twenty-three years old) for himself and his sister, Nannerl. Mendelssohn’s piece is very brilliant and virtuosic, and the dialogue between the two instruments is carried out with fine ability.

1. Allegro vivace
2. Adagio non troppo
3. Allegro

Performers

Performance