Felix Mendelssohn ： Piano Sonata in b-moll MWV.U42

This early piano sonata by Mendelssohn is marked by the shading of B-flat minor and a strong sense of momentum. Its contrasting movements include a tense, fast movement, a songful slow movement, a dance-like movement, and a lively finale, combining classical balance with youthful passion. Highlights include the changes in expression from the weight of the minor key toward brighter moods, as well as the subtle exchanges between melody and accompaniment. In performance, it is important to maintain clarity and forward motion in the faster passages without allowing the inner voices to disappear. In the slow movement, let the long-breathed melody sing carefully, while preserving a light sense of pulse in the dance-like sections to bring the work’s contours into focus.