Composed in Berlin in 1825 when he was only 16 years old, Mendelssohn's Octet opus 20 is regarded as his first masterpiece. Unlike other works based on double quartets (such as Spohr's, written in 1823), Mendelssohn designed his octet for eight independent voices. This allowed him to vary the instrumental combinations, thus arousing the admiration of his peers, including Schumann.

I. Allegro moderato

Charlotte Juillard

Samika Honda

Thomas Gauthier

String Octet in E-flat major, Op.20 - I. Allegro moderato

Felix Mendelssohn

String Octet in E-flat major, Op.20 - I. Allegro moderato

Felix Mendelssohn

Available movements