Mendelssohn 4 Pieces For String Quartet, Op. 81

This work seems not to be played all that often, (at least relative to the Op. 44’s).  In the score I’m looking at, it starts off with a lovely theme and variations then moves onto a quick scherzo.  The third movement is the Capriccio, which moves onto a Allegro Fugato section.  The final movement is an intensely emotional, slow Fugue.  I say “The score I’m looking at” because the recording of the work I have, by the Bergonzi String Quartet (they play great by the way), has the last two movements switched with the Capriccio movement coming last.  I would wonder what led them to make this choice.

The Fugue reminds me of the incredible adagio from Beethoven’s Op. 132,  incredibly introspective and impassioned. Parts and a recording of the first movement below the break.

Update: Thanks to Tomatt for pointing out that I hadn’t put the cello part up.  The links are correct now.

Mendelssohn 4 Pieces For String Quartet, Op. 81

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