Felix Mendelssohn: Biography, Fascinating Works, and Performances
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (3 February 1809 – 4 November 1847) was a German composer, pianist, organist, and conductor, highly celebrated as a central figure of the early Romantic period. Mendelssohn was recognized early as a musical prodigy and made his public debut at the age of nine. He was born in Hamburg into a prominent family—his grandfather was the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn—and his parents later moved the family to Berlin, where his remarkable talent quickly flourished.
Artistic Approach and Legacy
Mendelssohn’s music bridges Classical traditions and the emerging Romantic sensibility, often combining lyrical beauty with innovative forms. He is renowned not just for his own creativity, but also for his role in reviving interest in earlier composers, notably orchestrating the famous 1829 performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, which sparked the broader Bach revival.
Notable Compositions
Mendelssohn composed across a broad range of genres. His works have been staples of the concert repertoire for nearly two centuries. Some of his most influential and popular pieces include the Overture and Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream (including the Wedding March), the Italian Symphony (Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90), the Scottish Symphony (Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56), The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) Overture (Op. 26), and the Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64—a masterpiece of the violin repertoire. His Songs Without Words—a series of lyrical solo piano pieces, are among his most famous contributions to piano literature. He also composed the Octet for Strings in E-flat Major, Op. 20—an astonishingly mature work written when Mendelssohn was just sixteen, and large-scale choral works that exemplify Mendelssohn’s dramatic and sacred style, such as the Oratorios: St. Paul and Elijah. His Piano Concertos (No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25; No. 2 in D minor, Op. 40) are also highly celebrated.
Performances of Mendelssohn's Works
Dive into the fascinating works of Felix Mendelssohn with STAGE+. Discover his symphonies, concertos, and piano compositions that continue to inspire listeners worldwide. Experience the brilliance of Yunchan Lim's performance in Seoul, highlighting masterpieces by Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Mussorgsky, which celebrates the iconic classical music era. Revel in the resonating performances of Nelsons, Seong-Jin Cho, and Schumann, diligently exploring the captivating symphonies and piano music by Felix Mendelssohn. Journey through musical history with Daniil Trifonov in Tokyo. Rameau, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven — it's an enchanting celebration of classical composers. Join Andris Nelsons, Lucas, Arthur Jussen, and their powerful renditions of Mahler, Mendelssohn, Dvořák. A tantalizing blend of early Romantic period music awaits. Explore the profound influence of Mendelssohn in Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Beatrice Rana's performances. Also, enjoy featured pieces by Bruckner and Clara Schumann. Tune into María Dueñas and Mikko Franck's captivating interpretations of Mendelssohn and Webern. A splendid showcase of Romantic era music. Discover the mesmerizing symphonies of Mascagni through Karajan's A-Z series to Mendelssohn. An exploration of classical music's monumental icons. Lose yourself in the works of Nikolaus Lugansky at the Verbier Festival Debut Recital