Violin Sonata in F minor (Mendelssohn)

The Violin Sonata (No. 2) in F minor, Op. 4, MWV Q 12 for violin and piano was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1823 and is the only one to carry an opus number. Mendelssohn composed two other violin sonatas, both in F major, that were not published in his lifetime. This was published with a dedication to his friend and violin teacher, Eduard Rietz, who was also dedicatee of the composer's Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20.

Movements
The work has three movements:


 * 1) Adagio – Allegro moderato
 * 2) Poco adagio
 * 3) Allegro agitato

A typical performance lasts about 22 minutes.

Unlike his more famous violin work, the Violin Concerto in E minor, this sonata lacks dramatic exposition. It does contain a calm beauty that is typical of the composer's chamber music, and it demonstrates the brilliance of his early compositions.