Felix
Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
(1809-47)
Other names: Felix Jacob Ludwig[F98]
Positions Held
Director of the Gewandhaus concerts in Leipzig, 1835[P5M]
Musical director of the Dusseldorf Music and Theatre Society, 1833[P5M]
Biographical
German
Composer, and pianist.[F6P]
Came from wealthy Jewish family, which finally adopted Christianity; at
seventeen composed the Midsummer Night's Dream overture; professional
training at Berlin and Paris was rounded oft by tours on the Continent and
in England, a visit to Scotland resulting in the Hebrides (or Fingals
Cave) Overture, while in Italy he produced the Italian Symphony.
He directed the famous Gewandhaus concerts at Leipzig, and founded its
Conservatoire. His incessant activity directly led to his early death. His
works range over almost the entire field, from song to symphony and
oratorio; a skilled pianist and organist, he wrote some splendid works for
both instruments, including Songs with-out Words; his genius is best
exhibited in his symphonies and two oratorios, St. Paul and Elijah.
Mendelssohn falls short of the greatest composers, but atones by fine
blending of the classic with the romantic.[H45]
Converted to Christianity, 1816.[F6P]
Place of birth: Hamburg[F6P]
Place of birth: Lepizig[F6P] |