Felix Mendelssohn, German pianist, composer, and conductor (d. 1847)

Felix Mendelssohn: A Master of Early Romanticism and Enduring Legacy

Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (3 February 1809 – 4 November 1847), universally recognised as Felix Mendelssohn, was an extraordinary German polymath of the early Romantic period. His profound contributions encompassed composing, virtuoso piano and organ performance, and influential conducting. Mendelssohn’s musical style, while rooted in the classical traditions of Mozart and Beethoven, embraced the lyrical expressiveness and emotional depth characteristic of the burgeoning Romantic era, yet always maintaining a sense of clarity and structural balance.

His extensive catalogue of compositions spans a remarkable array of genres, showcasing his versatile genius:

Family Heritage and Early Life of a Child Prodigy

Felix Mendelssohn was born into a prominent and intellectually vibrant Jewish family, the grandson of Moses Mendelssohn (1729–1786), a revered philosopher of the Enlightenment and a central figure in the Haskalah, the Jewish Enlightenment movement. This lineage endowed Felix with an exceptional intellectual and cultural upbringing.

Despite his family's Jewish heritage, Felix and his siblings were raised without formal religious instruction until the age of seven. In 1816, he was baptised as a Reformed Christian (Lutheran), a decision made by his parents, Abraham and Lea Mendelssohn, as a pragmatic step towards social integration and professional advancement in 19th-century Prussia, where opportunities for those of Jewish descent were often limited without conversion.

Felix's prodigious musical talent was evident from a very young age, akin to that of Mozart. However, unlike some child stars, his parents, themselves highly cultivated individuals, adopted a remarkably cautious approach. They nurtured his extraordinary abilities through comprehensive education, including private tutors and rigorous musical training, but deliberately avoided exploiting his talent for public spectacle, prioritizing his holistic development and a healthy childhood.

This supportive environment also fostered the talents of his equally gifted elder sister, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (1805–1847). Fanny received a musical education comparable to Felix's and was a highly accomplished composer and pianist in her own right, producing over 400 works, including songs, piano pieces, and chamber music. Sadly, prevailing societal norms for women in the 19th century largely prevented her from pursuing a professional career. Intriguingly, some of her early songs were published under Felix's name, highlighting the limitations she faced. Furthermore, her substantial "Easter Sonata" (Piano Sonata in G minor) was mistakenly attributed to Felix for a period after its rediscovery in the 1970s, underscoring the unfortunate obscuring of her independent creative genius.

Musical Revivalism, International Acclaim, and Lasting Influence

Mendelssohn's career was marked by extraordinary success and significant contributions to musical life. One of his most impactful achievements was his pivotal role in the revival of interest in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. In 1829, at just 20 years old, Mendelssohn conducted the first public performance of Bach's monumental St Matthew Passion since Bach’s death in 1750. This landmark event, performed with the Berlin Singakademie, ignited a widespread re-evaluation and renaissance of Bach's entire oeuvre, cementing his place as a cornerstone of classical music, a legacy we still benefit from today.

His talents as a composer, conductor, and soloist garnered him widespread acclaim across Europe. His ten extensive visits to Britain, in particular, were instrumental to his adult career, serving as venues for the premieres of many of his major works, including the Scottish Symphony and Elijah. The British public adored him for his charm, virtuosity, and the accessible beauty of his compositions.

Despite his Romantic inclinations, Mendelssohn's musical tastes were largely considered "conservative" relative to some of his more radical contemporaries. He championed classical forms, melodic clarity, and harmonic elegance, often standing apart from the experimental and often boundary-pushing innovations of figures like Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Charles-Valentin Alkan, and Hector Berlioz, who explored more programmatic, chromatic, and expansive musical landscapes. This adherence to traditional structures was foundational to his vision for musical education. In 1843, he founded the Leipzig Conservatory (now the University of Music and Theatre Leipzig), which rapidly became a leading institution globally, known for its emphasis on rigorous, classically-oriented training in counterpoint, harmony, and form, reflecting his own "anti-radical" outlook.

Tragically, after his untimely death at just 38, Mendelssohn's reputation endured a period of relative decline and denigration throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This unfortunate phase was fueled by a confluence of evolving musical tastes, which increasingly favored the more overtly dramatic and programmatic styles of composers like Wagner, and, more disturbingly, by the insidious rise of antisemitism. Richard Wagner's influential and virulently antisemitic essay "Jewishness in Music" (Das Judentum in der Musik), published in 1850, specifically targeted Mendelssohn (among others) posthumously, casting a long, unfair shadow over his artistic legacy. Fortunately, a thorough re-evaluation of his creative originality and profound contributions has firmly re-established his standing. Today, Felix Mendelssohn is rightly celebrated as one of the most beloved and significant composers of the Romantic era, his works cherished for their grace, beauty, and emotional depth.

FAQs about Felix Mendelssohn

What was Felix Mendelssohn's full name?
His full name was Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, though he is widely known simply as Felix Mendelssohn.
What musical period did Mendelssohn belong to?
He was a prominent composer of the early Romantic period, blending classical forms with Romantic lyricism.
What are some of Mendelssohn's most famous compositions?
His well-known works include the incidental music for A Midsummer Night's Dream, the "Italian" and "Scottish" Symphonies, the Violin Concerto in E minor, the oratorios St. Paul and Elijah, and his solo piano collection Songs Without Words.
Did Mendelssohn compose "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"?
Yes, Mendelssohn composed the melody for the famous Christmas carol "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," which was later adapted to Charles Wesley's lyrics.
How did Mendelssohn influence the appreciation of J.S. Bach?
At just 20 years old, Mendelssohn conducted the first public performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion since Bach's death, playing a crucial role in the revival of interest in Bach's music.
Was Felix Mendelssohn related to the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn?
Yes, Felix Mendelssohn was the grandson of the influential Jewish Enlightenment philosopher, Moses Mendelssohn.
Did Mendelssohn have a famous sister who was also a musician?
Yes, his elder sister, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, was an exceptionally talented composer and pianist in her own right, though her career was largely constrained by the societal expectations of her time.
Why was Mendelssohn's reputation diminished after his death?
His reputation suffered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to changing musical tastes that favored more radical styles, and significantly, due to the rise of antisemitism, particularly propagated by figures like Richard Wagner.