Mendelssohn: String Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20

Description

Written when Felix was only 16 years old, his "Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20", written in 1825 for four violins, two violas, and two cellos, contributed to the creation of a new chamber music genre and is one of Mendelssohn's first works to be well-received.

While double string quartets were gaining in popularity during the time this octet was composed, Mendelssohn noted in the score that the piece should "be played by all the instruments in the style of a symphony," making the ensemble undivided.

The scherzo movements was later scored for orchestra to replace the minuet at the premiere of Mendelssohn's First Symphony. The work as a whole make extensive use of counterpoint, showcased most notably in the eight-part fugato during the finale movement.