As a musician's instrumental proficiency develops, so does their artistic taste and temperament. Returning in 2025, Soundbites sees ANAM musicians present concerts that capture a moment in time, reflecting their training and offering glimpses of their future selves. What excites them? What do they want to express? How does music help them make sense of the world? Discover their unique, intimate perspectives in this series.
Mendelssohn – Chamber Music
The first decade of the 19th century was an important one for music. Within less than 4 years were the births of Schumann, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Wagner. Despite this proximity in time and often times geography, one finds an incredible diversity in their approaches and style to music.
Whilst the likes of Wagner were forging ahead in seemingly radical ways (much like the contemporary music of today), Mendelssohn was seen as a conservative figure, trying to maintain a style more akin to great classicists of the 18th century than of his romantic contemporaries. Indeed, it is often said that while Brahms’ 1st Symphony is Beethoven’s 10th; Mendelssohn is the direct continuation of the music of Mozart. Taking the latter’s gift of symmetry and balance to a richer harmonic language and dramatic textures - yet, never at the cost of elegance.
Mendelssohn’s musical proclivity was evident from an early age. Many of his most beloved works were composed when he was a teenager. He quickly rose to become a celebrated conductor, organist and pianist, and founded a conservatory in Leipzig that still stands today. The works in this program are two of Mendelssohn’s most ambitious and demanding. Both written in 1845, they demonstrate a late Mendelssohn at the height of his powers, showing not only his virtuosity but his exquisite melody writing.
Words by Reuben Johnson.
Felix MENDELSSOHN Piano Trio in C Minor op. 66, no. 2
Felix MENDELSSOHN Quintet for Two Violins, Two Violas and Cello in B-flat Major op. 87, no. 2
Lili Stephens (QLD) violin
Boudewijn Keenan (NZ) cello
Reuben Johnson (ANAM alum) piano
Jasmine Milton (SA) violin
Helena Burns (QLD) viola
Jamie Miles (VIC) viola
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