Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 02/21/2006, uploaded on 01/20/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Some uncertainty surrounds the origins of Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso in E major. Some place its conception in 1824 while others believe it to have been composed at a later date. Regardless, a version of the piece was indeed completed by 1828. Two years later, Mendelssohn revised the work, adding the Andante introduction. This eventual form—a lively movement presaged by a slower introduction—was used by Mendelssohn in later pieces, such as the Andante cantabile e Presto agitato. The backward progression of major to minor, instead of the more usual minor to major, also foreshadows the “Italian” Symphony.

The introduction in E major begins with three measures of soft, resonant chords over a sturdy bass. Following, a lyrical melody enters, which seems to float effortlessly over the rich chordal underpinnings. Gradually, the serene atmosphere of the opening is disturbed. Sixteenth note figurations overtake the lyrical tune and force the music through a dramatic passage in C major. A climatic return to E major gives way to an aura of mystery as diminished seventh chords slowly darken the whole scene with the hues of the minor mode.

Following a close on the dominant of E, the Presto, and the Rondo proper, launches forthwith. A vigorous melody in hushed tones forms the Rondo’s principal theme. It is followed by a wholly Romantic tune in G major, serving as the first episode. Assuming the structure of a sonata-rondo, the movement’s development section is remarkably brief and concerns itself entirely with the principal theme. The prior G major melody reappears first, accompanying also a return to the key of E major. However, the reprise of the sprightly first theme brings with it the minor mode. Finally, a stormy passage in octaves, marked fortissimo, announces the end of the piece.        JosephDuBose

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Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14                Felix Mendelssohn

As a child prodigy, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) quickly gave rise to his early reputation as a "new Mozart." He was a superb pianist and, like Mozart, an accomplished violist. The Rondo Capriccioso in E Major, Op. 14 is one of Mendelssohn's most well-known and frequently performed solo piano works, despite its extreme difficulty. Different listings provide conflicting information as to the dates of its origin, older ones giving it as 1824 when the composer was only 15.  However, it apparently was derived from an e-minor étude noted on Mendelssohn's first autograph of the piece as January 4, 1828. In 1830 the composer reworked it into the work we now know as the Rondo Capriccioso in E Major. It was published in 1830 as Op. 14, and quickly became popular as a true bravura piece, full of sparkling brilliance, challenging both student and virtuoso alike.  In fact, I first learned this piece at the age of 10, studying with Emilio del Rosario (a prominent teacher in the Chicago area), whom I credit with giving me my fingers, or my piano technique.  I've brought it back for today's concert because of this connection and I would like to dedicate this performance to him.    Alpin Hong

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.