Rondo capriccioso in E Major

During the summer of 1830 Mendelssohn found himself in Munich—one stop on a protracted journey through Europe from Berlin to Italy. While there he performed at private gatherings with Weber’s favourite clarinettist, Heinrich Baermann, and declared a romantic interest in the pianist Delphine von Schauroth, to whom he dedicated the Rondo capriccioso, Op. 14. This was part of an exchange of musical gifts: Schauroth wrote for Mendelssohn a piano “song without words” in E minor and in return he inscribed the Rondo to her. The work had originated as early as 1824, however, as a precocious example (also in E minor) by the teenage composer of the elfin scherzando style that was to become a trademark of his music. In revising the Rondo for Delphine he added a lyrical introduction in radiant E major, and it is in this form that the work became a favourite virtuoso showpiece throughout the 19th century and beyond.