Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Mendelssohn's Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20, is a cornerstone of classical chamber music. Composed in 1825 when Mendelssohn was just 16, it’s scored for eight players—four violins, two violas, and two cellos—often performed as two joined string quartets. The work is renowned for its lyrical invention, architectural construction, and the composer’s own fondness for this piece, reportedly calling it his favorite among all his compositions. This performer page gathers biographical context, notable discography highlights from ensembles that bring the Octet to life, and up-to-date tour information for 2025 across the United States.