Dear Alfred,
You have the most uncanny ability to unearth treasures of romantic piano literature!!! I made a quick pass through the RSL site but missed everything you have found and posted. So much of their archives is blocked of course, and I found it very frustrating.
But your keen eye will always spot those "diamonds in the rough."
I love everything about the Arnold Mendelssohn Sonata. In playing through it I am reminded very much of Moszkowski's writing in terms of the pianistic style. So many parts of the Sonata just "feel" like Moszkowski to me when physically playing the work. Maybe had Moszkowski written a Sonata it would have turned out something like this...but it would have to have been on a very good day; indeed a VERY good day! Mendelssohn has a very approachable style and melodic flair, and that is probably what reminds me so much of dear Moritz. But many parts of this Sonata show a much greater degree of sophistication in harmonic development. As always...imho.
Old fashioned? Well probably so in many ways, but then so am I..an incurable romantic!!
Taken in the context of the romantic piano literature, I think this work shines with brilliance. It definitely points us in the direction of the later romantic German writers.
Now admittedly I've been playing a lot of MM, Schutt and (of course) Hugo Kaun recently so maybe my judgement is slanted. But this is a great work, imho. The rich, flowing romantic melody in the first movement has irresistible charm, and immediately wins the listener over. Then the second movement generates a wonderful air of serenity. The third mvt. is a delightful romp, a bit out of character with the first 2 movements, but with such happiness and SO much fun to play! The fourth mvt. is for me the most difficult to play, but it is probably the most intellectually stimulating. The polyphony Mendelssohn incorporates is absolutely beautiful, and it will take much practice to bring out the inner voicings properly. Such beautiful melodies!!
I remember your posting of Mendelssohn's Op. 79 "Moderne Suite", and I pulled the score for reference. Once again in playing this work I am reminded very much of Moszkowski's approach to the keyboard. The Vorspiel as an example. Voicing the melody with the thumbs of both hands is a very characteristic (and effective!) "trick" that MM used frequently. Moszkowski was such a genius at getting the most from the piano with a minimal expenditure of effort!!!
And so dear Alfred for what it's worth these are my initial observations and feelings about the Mendelssohn Sonata. I know it will inspire me to search out more works from this composer. As always,
ausgezeichnet!! Noch ein anderes wunderbare Deutsche komponist haben sie gefunden. Als immer, das macht mir VIEL, viel spass! Vielen dank, und als immer
Alles Gute,
Dein
Frank (a.k.a. "Dr. H.")
