Violin Sonata in F major (Mendelssohn, 1838)

The Violin Sonata in F major (Mendelssohn, 1838) refers to a sonata for violin and piano composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1838. While Mendelssohn also composed a well-known Violin Concerto in E minor and an earlier, less-known Violin Sonata in F minor, this F major sonata remained unpublished during his lifetime and for many years after his death. It is sometimes referred to as his "second" violin sonata to differentiate it from the earlier F minor work.

The sonata is structured in four movements:

1. Allegro vivace (F major)
2. Adagio (A minor)
3. Assai vivace (F major)
4. Allegro moderato (F major)

While not as widely performed as his Violin Concerto, the Violin Sonata in F major is gaining increasing recognition as a significant contribution to the violin and piano repertoire. It showcases Mendelssohn's characteristic melodic invention, harmonic sophistication, and balanced dialogue between the two instruments. The rediscovery and subsequent publication of this sonata have enriched the body of Mendelssohn's works available to performers and audiences alike. The work highlights Mendelssohn's lyrical and virtuosic writing for both violin and piano. It is considered a piece that reflects Mendelssohn's mature compositional style.