Music for 8 ~ Mendelssohn & Shostakovich

The concert features two masterful works of chamber music, highlighting the unique expressiveness of string instruments. First, Dmitri Shostakovich's *Two Pieces for String Quartet, Op. 11* introduces us to his early style, blending rich, brooding melodies with flashes of irony and tension, all characteristic of his later, more mature works. Composed in 1924-1925, the pieces showcase Shostakovich's talent for dramatic contrast and emotional depth, even at a young age.

Following this, we delve into the exuberance and brilliance of Felix Mendelssohn’s *Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20,* a youthful masterpiece written when the composer was just 16 years old. The Octet bursts with energy, lyrical beauty, and contrapuntal ingenuity, displaying Mendelssohn's effortless command of form and harmony. Together, these works offer a fascinating juxtaposition of Shostakovich’s introspective complexity and Mendelssohn’s radiant optimism, making for an evening of compelling contrasts.