29th Annual Student Research Conference
Influence on Mendelssohn's String Quartet
Nina G. Hemmer*, Christopher A. Aman, Claire H. Clauson, and Alyssa L. Aubuchon
Dr. Brian X. Kubin, Faculty Mentor
Quartet No 2 in A Minor, Op. 13 Movement I: Adagio - Allegro Vivace By Felix Mendelssohn "Is it true that you always wait for me there in the leafy path by the grape arbor and ask the moonlight and the little stars about me? Is it true?" These are the words that inspired Mendelssohn's Second String Quartet, written in 1827. They come from "Frage", a song Mendelssohn wrote being in love just before the composition of his second string quartet. The song's opening phrase, "Ist es wahr?" (is it true) is presented in the opening Adagio section as well as at the conclusion of the fourth movement. This example of cyclic thematic development alludes to the quartet's other muse-Beethoven. Mendelssohn admired Beethoven greatly, and tributes to Beethoven can be seen throughout this quartet through numerous fugal entrances, extended contrapuntal imitation, and lyricism and tonal effects. The piece is a representation of the clash between emotion and an advanced mastery of counterpoint.
Keywords: String Quartet, Mendelssohn, fugal, countrapuntal, lyricism
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 2-1
Location: OP PERFORMANCE HALL
Time: 1:00