Search - Felix [1] Mendelssohn, Frederic Chiu :: Mendelssohn: Piano Music

Interesting and Worthwhile

Classicalfan | Reston, VA USA | 12/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The 4 works on this CD were composed by Mendelssohn between the ages of 12 and 18. These are not major works of the piano repertory and the introductory allegro movement of the Sonata in G minor, composed when Mendelssohn was 12, does has a repetitive childlike quality. The Rondo caprissioso, composed when Mendelssohn was 15, is a pleasant scintillating short piece at 6:29. The other two sonatas on this CD, composed when Mendelssohn was in his late teens, are contemporary with the composition of his Octet and Midsummer Night's Dream. These sonatas are more complex and subtle; they show Mendelssohn's individual style and brilliance, already apparent by the age of 17.



I enjoyed the quality of Chiu's performance; while he doesn't play at the same outstanding level as Perahia when the latter performs Mendelssohn's works, he is nevertheless a very talented pianist who performs these pieces with elegance and precision. Chiu has absolute technical command of these works and succeeds in bringing forth their liveliness, charm, and beauty. The liner notes, written by Chiu himself, are intelligent and informative in their discussion of the influence of Beethoven's piano sonatas on the young Mendelssohn. The sound quality of the recording is excellent."