Felix Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn Bartholdy 1821FXD

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Felix Mendelssohn Leipzig study; Contemporary view

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FELIX MENDELSSOHN 1809-1847 Composer stayed here

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Felix Mendelssohn (3 February 1809 – 4 November 1847) was a German composer, pianist, organist, and conductor of the early Romantic period. Mendelssohn was one of the most celebrated figures of the early Romantic movement, and his music is notable for its lyricism, color, and expressive depth. He was also a key figure in the revival of interest in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Early Life

Felix Mendelssohn was born in Hamburg, in the then-independent state of the Holy Roman Empire. He was the second of four children to Leah Salomon, a member of the Itzig family, and Abraham Mendelssohn, who was the son of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. The Mendelssohn family was prominent in the German Jewish community. Despite his Jewish ancestry, Felix was brought up without religion and was later baptized as a Reformed Christian.

Mendelssohn showed early musical talent. By the age of nine, he was already performing in public and composing. His education was comprehensive, including art, literature, languages, and philosophy, alongside his musical training.

Career

Mendelssohn's early works include the Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream (1826), which he wrote at the age of 17. This piece was followed by the full Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night's Dream (1842), including the famous "Wedding March." His other well-known works include the Italian Symphony (Symphony No. 4), the Scottish Symphony (Symphony No. 5), the overture The Hebrides (also known as "Fingal's Cave"), and the Violin Concerto in E minor.

In addition to his compositions, Mendelssohn was instrumental in the revival of Johann Sebastian Bach's music in the 19th century, notably conducting a performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion in 1829, which was the first since the composer's death.

Mendelssohn also founded the Leipzig Conservatory in 1843, which became a leading European music school. He served as its first director, attracting students from across the continent.

Personal Life and Death

Mendelssohn married Cécile Jeanrenaud in 1837, with whom he had five children. His personal life was marked by his deep devotion to his family and his religion, having converted to Protestantism in his youth.

Mendelssohn's health began to decline in the 1840s, exacerbated by a strenuous work schedule and the death of his sister, Fanny Mendelssohn, in 1847. He died later that year on 4 November, at the age of 38. His death was attributed to a series of strokes.

Legacy

Mendelssohn's impact on the Romantic music era and beyond is profound. His ability to blend classical forms with romantic expressiveness made his work immensely popular during his lifetime and has endured. His revival of Bach's music also contributed significantly to the composer's place in the canon of Western classical music.

Mendelssohn's influence extended to the development of music education, through his work with the Leipzig Conservatory, and his compositions continue to be performed widely today.