String Quartet No. 3 (Mendelssohn) Explained

The String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 44, No. 1, MWV R 30 was composed by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) in July 1838 at the age of 29. It premiered in 1839, then was published later in 1840.[1] It is a traditional quartet, comprising two violins, a viola, and a cello. The piece is part of the Op. 44 set of 3 string quartets that Mendelssohn dedicated to the Crown Prince of Sweden.[2]

Movements

Like all of Mendelssohn's string quartets, this work has four movements:

  1. Molto allegro vivace
  2. Menuetto: Un poco Allegretto
  3. Andante espressivo ma con moto
  4. Presto con brio

A typical performance lasts about 29-31 minutes.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 44, No. 1 - Felix Mendelessohn . earsense . 11 December 2021.
  2. Web site: String Quartet No.3, Op.44 No.1 (Mendelssohn, Felix) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download . imslp.org . 11 December 2021.