Organ Sonata in A, Op. 65 No. 3

Apart from being a composer, conductor and virtuosic pianist, Mendelssohn was a noted organ recitalist and celebrated performer of J.S. Bach’s works. His own organ sonatas are mature works written in 1844-45. Sonata No. 3 in A major is based on Luther’s chorale “Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir.” Mendelssohn here skillfully combines his command of the polyphonic tradition with the most modern Romantic idiom, to create a multi-layered work of great passion. The first movement, Con moto maestoso features a majestic full-sounding introduction. Next, a contemplative fugue theme is presented in the manuals, while the choral is played in the pedal. The fugue eventually dissolves into an animated passage in sixteenths that ends in heroic dotted chords. Leading back to the material of the introduction, a triumphant finale concludes the movement. The second movement is a fairly short Andante tranquillo that functions almost as an afterthought, or a coda to the first movement. A Romantic melody spins itself out in sweet passages in parallel sixths, concluding the sonata in a serene and quiet mood.

(c) Jason Stell and Tilman Skowroneck