Organ Works, 1820–1835

Abstract This chapter reviews Mendelssohn's organ works from 1820-35. Within a span of less than six weeks — from 28 November 1820, through 6 January 1821 — Mendelssohn composed his first works for the organ. A cluster of five pieces — a Praeludium, three fugues, and a fragmentary toccata — all attest to his early fascination and involvement with classic organ forms. The first of Mendelssohn's organ works written in 1823 — the untitled Andante in D Major — represents a sharp break with the classical forms and style that had earlier dominated his thinking. More importantly, however, it represents his first tentative — and remarkably successful — venture into the realm of musical romanticism.