Often compared to the composer's extraordinary Octet, Op. 20 (1825), the work of a sixteen-year-old genius, Felix Mendelssohn's String Quintet No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 87 (1845) indeed shares many characteristics with the earlier work, though the two are separated by nearly two decades. As in the Octet, the first movement of the Second Quintet opens with a rising triadic theme. Likewise, much of the emotional content of this movement is disarmingly exuberant.

Acting as a bridge between two powerful emotional statements, the second movement, Andante scherzando, reflects a temporary desire for respite from such strong feelings. With the arrival of the D minor third movement, Andante scherzando, the exuberance of the first movement is transformed into a profound, expressive, almost heart-rending lyrical statement. The mood here is foreboding, even tragic; the sense of tragedy, surpassing Mendelssohn's characteristic intimations of gentle melancholy, is expressed through a theme that blends passion, lyricism, and mystery. While the violins represent the voice of emotion, the violas and cellos provide darker hues, suggesting uncertainty. In any event, Mendelssohn makes full use of the expressive potential of all the instruments.

The final movement provides a return to the inspiring energy of the first movement. As themes and ideas briskly unfold, the listener also encounters moments of calm by way of brief melodic interludes. These do little to dispel the arresting the initial drive, though, and the movement progresses with typical Mendelssohnian sparkle.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.