Etude Op. 104 No. 1

Behind the music:

Felix Mendelssohn’s Etude Op. 104 No. 1 in B♭ Minor is a technical piano study composed in his later years, likely between 1842 and 1844. It’s part of a lesser-known set of six etudes that focus on advanced fingerwork and musical expression. This etude features rapid arpeggios and shifting harmonies that test both control and clarity. Unlike his more famous pieces, these etudes were not widely published during his lifetime. Today, they offer a deeper look into Mendelssohn’s skill as both a composer and pianist.