22nd Annual Student Research Conference
A Discussion and Performance of Mendelssohn's Variations Sérieuses
Ryan Huber♦
Dr. David McKamie, Faculty Mentor
Felix Mendelssohn was a German composer, pianist, and conductor of the early Romantic era whose formal craftsmanship was undisputed. Unlike many other popular variation sets of the era that featured empty virtuosic display, Mendelssohn's Variations sérieuses, Opus 54 hold to the highest standards of musical expression. They represent an artistic pinnacle of achievement within his solo piano compositions. Although he chose the title Serious Variations, he did not mean that the set should be interpreted as "sad" or "somber." In Mendelssohn's words, "The Serious Variations start in D minor and are peevish." They balance perfectly the opposing forces of emotional intensity and formal control.
Keywords: Mendelssohn, Variations, Sérieuses, Solo Piano, D minor, Romantic , Pianist, German Composer
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 1-4
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 9:00