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Mendelssohn Piano Trio in d, Opus 49


II: Andante con moto tranquillo

The second movement of Felix Mendelssohn's Piano Trio starts off with a beautiful piano solo. The theme that the piano plays here will become a prominent one in this piece. Soon, the other string instruments join in the piano's song.

Now, the piano becomes more of a harmony instrument while the violin and cello interplay in a conversation. Soon, the piano returns to its solo form and plays variation on the initial theme. Mendelssohn's writing here is truly beautiful and elegant and is agreed upon by musicians worldwide as some of his best work.

Soon, the key shifts to minor, although it's not especially foreboding. Instead, Mendelssohn causes his audience to be captivated and enthralled by this minor section. Again, Mendelssohn repeats his themes often, which is typical of his writing. He is able to keep his music interesting and fascinating, though.

Eventually, the instruments reach the starting theme again and it is as beautiful as ever. Mendelssohn's skill as a piano composer really shows through here with the beautiful background and theme music of the piano. Meanwhile, the movement slowly fades away, leaving only a beautiful memory as its only remnant.


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Info:
TJHSST Auditorium on June 10, 1999
Piano: Alvin Lin
Violins: Margot Herrman
Cello: Charles Han;



User Submissions:

Here's what others have had to say about this movement... Press here if you want to add to this discussion.

Name: Andrew Ra
E-mail:
Date: Sunday, September 12, 1999 at 00:30:12
Text: Hey, I love this piece! I didn't recognize it by the name, but as soon as I heard it, I remembered! Your description pretty well sums it up, so I won't try to compete with you guys, but I will add this: this movement will have you humming the tune for hours after you hear it!!!





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