Violin Sonata in F minor (Mendelssohn)


The Violin Sonata in F minor, Op. 4, for violin and piano was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1823 and is the only one to carry an opus number. Mendelssohn composed two other violin sonatas, both in F major, that were not published in his lifetime. This was published with a dedication to his friend and violin teacher, Eduard Rietz, who was also dedicatee of the composer's Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20.

Movements

The work has three movements:
  1. Adagio – Allegro moderato
  2. Poco adagio
  3. Allegro agitato
A typical performance lasts about 22 minutes.
Unlike his more famous violin work, the Violin Concerto in E minor, the sonata lacks a dramatic exposition. However, it does contain a calm beauty that is typical of the composer's chamber music, and it demonstrates the brilliancy of his early compositions.