Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, born at Hamburg on February 3rd, 1809, was the son of a wealthy banker. From a very early age he showed remarkable musical talent which was fostered and encouraged by his parents in every possible way (Classic Catalogue).
Mendelssohn's Childhood Compositions
In 1817, at the age of eight, he was placed under the tuition of Berger who was a fine pianist and the teacher of several famous performers. At the same time Mendelssohn was receiving instruction in harmony and composition from Zelter, a well known theorist of the day. He made his first public appearance as a pianist in Berlin when only nine years old. His extraordinary gift for composition was apparent even at that time, and he spent much of his time busily composing.
Mendelssohn's first important work was the Symphony in C minor, composed in 1824. This was followed by an opera, "The Wedding of Camacho" in 1825. The overture to "A midsummer Night's Dream" was written in 1826 - a wonderful achievement for a boy of seventeen.
Mendelssohn's Instrumental Works
During his short life Mendelssohn wrote an enormous quantity of music of all kinds. Among his smaller piano works are the "Songs Without Words", which he jotted down whenever he thought of the melodies. His instrumental works also include several Symphonies, Concert Overtures, String Quartets, Preludes and Fugues and Variations for piano, and six Sonatas for the organ (Choral Line).
Mendelssohn's Vocal Works
Mendelssohn made several visits to England, appearing both as pianist and conductor. His optimistic temperament and remarkable gifts made for him a host of friends and admirers in this country. Among Mendelsson's vocal works are the Symphonic Cantata, "Hymn of Praise", and the Oratorio "Elijah", both of which are still great favourites in England. The latter was specially written for and produced at the Birmingham Festival in 1846, and was the composer's last great work.
Mendelssohn's Poor Health and Early Death
Unfortunately, the strain of a very busy life and the death of his beloved sister Fanny, was now beginning to affect Mendelssohn's health (Choral Net). He came to London in the spring of 1847 to conduct a performance of "Elijah", and returned to Leipzig in a very frail state. He lingered on for a few months, passing away at Leipzig on November 4th, 1847, at the age of thirty-eight.
Sources:
- Choral Line. Information Retrieved 12th March 2011
- Classic Catalogue. Information Retrieved 12th March 2011
- Classical Net. Information Retrieved 12th March 2011
- Grout, D (2005) A History of Western Music. W.W.Norton and Co. London.
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