Introduction

In terms of natural gifts, Mendelssohn was born with more than any other composer except for possibly Mozart. His family was naturally a musical family. His musicianship was unparalleled during his time. And not only did he excel in music, but also in painting and drawing. His memory, not only in terms of music, was said to be enormous. It was generally thought that he would have excelled in any endeavor that he chose.

Historical Context

Felix Mendelssohn was born February 3rd, 1809 in Hamburg, Germany, to an upper-middle class family. His father, Abraham, was an affluent banker and his mother, Leah Salomon, was an amateur musician who aided in his cultural and artistic development. Mendelssohn was one of four children, his siblings being Fanny, who would also become a noteworthy composer, Rebecca, and Paul. His grandfather's philosophical and literary views were important in the education of his grandson. During the Napoleonic invasions of Hamburg, the family escaped to Berlin, a city which was a flowering intellectual and artistic metropolis.

Mendelssohn was a fine horseman, a great swimmer, a classy dancer, and chess master, and a billiards king. His music reflects his lifestyle being completely elegant and refined. He grew up in a wealthy family and passed through life never knowing the discomforts of poverty.

By the age of 14, he had already composed several sonatas, a dozen symphonies, and a few chamber pieces. And he continued to grow as he aged. Many child prodigies diminished with age, Mendelssohn became a better composer. Though he only lived 38 years, the amount that he accomplished in those years foretells what he could have created had died so early. During his later years, he began to frequent England more and more. He felt like royalty there and the people loved him. Queen Victoria even invited him to Buckingham Palace to stay for a while. Mendelssohn gave organ recitals at St. Paul's Cathedral and performed many of his major pieces in England. He died on November 4th, 1847. Today we still allow his luxurious melodies and intimate harmonies to warm our souls.

His Famous Compositions

He composed many notable pieces during his time in this world. If you have ever been to a wedding, you have most likely heard his ever-popular Wedding March during the recessional. He loved to compose beautiful music. Another famous piece is his A Midsummer Night's Dream. Two of his symphonies have grown to into very worthy pieces. These were called his Italian and Scotch symphonies. His greatest solo piece, without any doubt, is his Violin Concerto in e minor. His chamber music is wondrous. It includes a body of two piano trios, one of which, Piano Trio in d, Op.49, made The Fifteen Greatest ever list, seven quartets, String Quartet op. 44, no. 1, being especially exceptional. His most famous chamber piece however being his unsurpassed octet.

• List of Chamber Works by Mendelssohn
• Other Romantic Composers
• Classical Music Pages: Felix Mendelssohn
• Classical Net: Felix Mendelssohn

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