Allegro String Ensemble is a chamber string orchestra from California, sometimes appearing as a string quartet and sometimes as a string quintet, recording favorite classical masterpieces exclusively for Lynne Publishing. All performances are 100% live, without the use of computers or electronics, and all recordings are live-in-studio single-take direct recordings. 

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Felix Mendelssohn
February 3, 1809 – November 4, 1847

German composer, conductor, and pianist Felix Mendelssohn is one of the most remarkable artists in classical music. He was noticed as a clear prodigy in his youth, yet his parents resisted submitting him to the tours and performances other talents of the time endured. Instead, he was taught piano and violin at home, together with his sister. He continued his studies with a variety of masters.

He had a busy childhood, filled with music. He performed before ten, and wrote constantly. At 13 he published his first work, a piano quartet. By 15 he composed his first notable work, an overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is still popular today. Mendelssohn traveled throughout Europe regularly, and his visits produced a variety of symphonies, chamber music, and pieces for solo piano.

He took various appointments as music director (Düsseldorf, Leipzig, Berlin). He directed most of his energy in Leipzig, and founded a conservatory there.

The importance of Mendelssohn’s work lies in its power and vibrancy, personality, and creativity.

Notable works:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Octet in E-flat Major for Strings
Symphony #4 in A Major
Violin Concerto in E Minor

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