Introduction

The main goals of the following research include an in-depth analysis of the Scherzo from the Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49, MWV Q29 by Felix Mendelssohn- Bartholdy, and the placement of this composition in a greater historical and geopolitical context. We chose to analyze the third part of this masterpiece by comparing it with the prevailing musical and technical trends of the time, and to consider Mendelssohn's motives for creating two versions of the piece-one for flute and the other, for the violin.
In this work, we also decided to look closer into the most important biographical events in Mendelssohn's life in order to garner a better understanding as to why his music was so important during the Romantic period of musical history which began at the beginning of the 19 th century.
Romanticism in music

Schuman, Brahms, Wagner, Mahler and Mendelssohn are among the most important representatives of Romanticism in music; a period of musical history which covers the entire 19th century. During this era, the role of the musical artist changed quite a bit in Europe compared with years prior. During the Classical period and earlier eras such as Baroque and Renaissance the musical artist was simply a craftsman but beginning with Beethoven, all that began to change. Through the influence of Beethoven, musicians (specially composers in this case) became more individual and unique, with their personal, subjective, emotional and irrational attitudes fully revered and placed in the spotlight.