Felix and the String Quartet: part IV.
We open Part IV of the series ‘Felix and the String Quartet’ with the vibrant and 
exciting finale of Mendelssohn’s String Quartet op. 44 no. 2, written during the haze of his long honeymoon. The even-tempered Cécile Jeanrenaud (see portrait) had a positive influence on her restless and easily excitable husband. When he fell in love with her, Felix did not take any snap decisions, but first kept his feelings hidden. He gave his feelings free rein in songs and piano pieces, some of which we will hear on today’s programme. In order to get his thoughts in order, Felix stayed in The Hague for a while, where he swam in the sea and painted every day in order to find peace. This resulted in, among other things, the following cityscape. Today’s pièce de résistance is Felix’ String Quartet op. 44 no. 3, which includes an incredibly transparent and ingeniously composed scherzo.
Playlist:
Felix Mendelssohn: finale from String Quartet in E minor opus 44 no. 2.
Quatuor Arod
Felix Mendelssohn: Lied ohne Worte op. 38 no. 6 ‘Duetto’
Javier Perianes, piano
Felix Mendelssohn: Albumblatt in E minor op. 117
Sebastian Knauer, piano
Felix Mendelssohn: Song ‘Ich wollt’ meine Lieb’ ergösse sich’ op. 63 no. 1
Barbara Bonney, soprano
Angelika Kirchschlager, mezzo-soprano
Malcolm Martinau, piano
Felix Mendelssohn: String Quartet in E-flat major op. 44 no. 3
Doric String Quartet
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