Description
The genesis of Mendelssohn's Konzertstücke can be traced to a curious exchange between the composer and the Baermann family. In 1832, the clarinettist Heinrich Joseph Baermann and his son Carl, a basset horn player, visited Mendelssohn. The two musicians struck a unique bargain - they promised Mendelssohn, who was particularly fond of "Dampfnudeln" (steamed dumplings) and "Rahmstrudel" (sweet-cheese strudel), that they would provide him with generous portions of these delicacies if he would compose a piece they could feature on their concert tours. This arrangement resulted in Mendelssohn's Konzertstück in F minor, which was soon followed by a second Konzertstück in D minor. Both works brilliantly showcase the distinctive tonal qualities and performance techniques of the clarinet and basset horn.
