Octets for Strings

Album by Felix Mendelssohn & Niels Wilhelm Gade & L’ Archibudelli & Smithsonian Chamber Players

The Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 is a chamber composition for eight strings by Felix Mendelssohn, composed in 1825. Written when he was sixteen, the work combines classical chamber textures with early Romantic harmonic colour and energetic contrapuntal writing for four violins, two violas and two cellos, marking an important early milestone in Mendelssohn's career and in 19th-century ensemble repertoire.

Octets for Strings by Mendelssohn - album cover

First released: 1992

Classical Chamber Music

About

1.
Octet for 4 violins, 2 violas & 2 cellos in E flat major, Op.20, 1. Allegro
13:06
2.
Octet for 4 violins, 2 violas & 2 cellos in E flat major, Op.20, 2. Andante
6:37
3.
Octet for 4 violins, 2 violas & 2 cellos in E flat major, Op.20, 3. Scherzo. Allegro leggierissimo
4:56
4.
Octet for 4 violins, 2 violas & 2 cellos in E flat major, Op.20, 4. Presto
5:52
5.
Octet for 4 violins, 2 violas & 2 cellos in F major, Op.17, 1. Allegro molto e con fuoco
9:23
6.
Octet for 4 violins, 2 violas & 2 cellos in F major, Op.17, 2. Andantino quasi alleretto
6:24
7.
Octet for 4 violins, 2 violas & 2 cellos in F major, Op.17, 3. Scherzo. Allegro moderato e tranquillo
3:49
8.
Octet for 4 violins, 2 violas & 2 cellos in F major, Op.17, 4. Finale. Allegro vivace
8:59