Astonishing Virtuosity in Our Family

Our youngest sibling, Dorothea Anderson, displayed her amazing virtuosity in a May 2024 performance

of the difficult Mendelssohn's Piano Trio #1. The blistering first movement demands considerable technique. Note the tempo

 Here's a clip of this molto allegro agitato :

Here's a snippet of the familiar melodic theme of the 2nd Andante movement, which is to be played "con moto tranquillo."

 

She performed with Emily and Kevin, professional musicians from the Portland Symphony.

 

They both offered us some insights into Mendelssohn's music. Here's Kevin suggesting Mendelssohn has a more melodic nature compared to Beethoven. 

 

 And Chopin as Well

And we enjoyed the unexpected pleasure from Dorotheas of the Op 9, #2 Chopin nocturne..

 

 Dorothea's Passion

How do we develop a passion for a valued activity? Dorothea is perhaps an unusual example of how a passion develops and provides powerful energy to succeed and constantly transcend our activity but still not everyone seems to have even a small passion to develop something in themselves.

Donna Hosted

Donna made the arrangements at Mary's Woods, and the chapel was a wonderful venue for the recital. Donna arranged a reception as well in the large lobby afterwards.

A Post Script on Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn himself was a child prodigy and gifted pianist. He did not write the piano trio for any particular performers, and the trio is considered quite difficult for the piano.  Interestingly, ,Mendelssohn wasn't employed in the traditional sense. He came from a wealthy family, and his passion was music. So he pursued a career in music itself, wearing many hats throughout his life: In his primary role as a  composer, he produced a wide range of works including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano pieces, and oratorios.

He was a highly talented conductor, and he championed the works of other composers, especially Bach. He is credited with reviving interest in Baroque music. As a pianist and organist he was recognized as a virtuoso performer. Mendelssohn founded the Leipzig Conservatory and played a role in shaping the next generation of musicians. In fact, he played the piano part at the piano trio's premiere on February 1, 1840, at the Leipzig Gewandhaus.

A Second Post Script from Kevin about Mendolsohnn's in North Portland

Kevin will be performing at Mendelssohn's, which is located at 3955 N. Mississippi. It features classical music and cocktails with an interesting schedule of entertainment such as Musical Theater Karaoke and Operaoke, a commedian/musician, the Portland Men's Choir, the PDX Sax Quartet, and Kevin at some time in the future. Will someone in the family organize a gathering at Mendelssohn's?