String Quartet No. 3 (Mendelssohn)



The String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 44, No. 1, MWV R 30 was composed by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) in July 1838 at the age of 29. It premiered in 1839, then was published later in 1840. It is a traditional quartet, comprising two violins, a viola, and a cello. The piece is part of the Op. 44 set of 3 string quartets that Mendelssohn dedicated to the Crown Prince of Sweden.

Movements
Like all of Mendelssohn's string quartets, this work has four movements:


 * 1) Molto allegro vivace
 * 2) Menuetto: Un poco Allegretto
 * 3) Andante espressivo ma con moto
 * 4) Presto con brio

A typical performance lasts about 29-31 minutes.