Final answer:
Mendelssohn was heavily influenced by Beethoven's late quartets in his own quartets. He incorporated elements of Beethoven's dramatic and passionate style, as well as his innovative use of harmony and form. Mendelssohn's response was one of admiration and inspiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mendelssohn was heavily influenced by the late quartets of Beethoven in his own quartets. Like Beethoven, Mendelssohn sought to push the boundaries of traditional classical music and experiment with new forms and ideas. He incorporated elements of Beethoven's dramatic and passionate style, as well as his innovative use of harmony and form.
For example, Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 6 in F minor, Op. 80, shows clear influences from Beethoven's late quartets. It features emotional intensity, dissonance, and abrupt changes in mood and texture, all characteristics that can be traced back to Beethoven's quartets.
Overall, Mendelssohn's response to Beethoven's late quartets was one of admiration and inspiration, leading him to push the boundaries of composition and create his own unique quartets.