At a special performance for the National Cello Institute, Salastina revisits its popular Sounds Genius presentation of Mendlessohn's Octet for strings.  What was the premier of the 16 year old composer's work like?  How did Mendelssohn use the combination of two string quartets to such great effect?  Why do we feel such elation when listening to the piece?  We explore these topics, with musical examples, before a complete performance of the work.

Sounds Genius:  Mendelssohn Octet for Strings

Artists:
Kevin Kumar and Maia Jasper White, violins and co-directors
Sarah Thornblade and Hana Hwon Kim, violins
Meredith Crawford and Linnea Powell, violas
Marek Szpakiewicz and Sarah Koo Freeman, cellos
Philip White, host