Interestingly, there a couple connections between Beethoven and Mendelssohn that seem too exact to be coincidences. Opening of Beethoven's Op. 1, No. 1 piano trio (1st mvt.) and the opening of Mendelssohn's string octet (although the theme is only an arpeggio, it still sounds "taken" to me) The main arpeggio theme (in d minor) of Beethoven's "Tempest" piano sonata (1st mvt.) and Mendelssohn's first piano quartet (1st mvt.) -- here, it is also certain that Mendelssohn took the primary theme of his movement from Beethoven's sonata Hope this was understandable! Jeff Grossman <[log in to unmask]>