Album insights
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's family name acquired the addition "Bartholdy" due to his father, banker Abraham Mendelssohn's conversion to Protestantism. Although Felix often used his extended name, publishers and the public preferred the simpler and original name "Mendelssohn."
Mendelssohn, who visited Victorian England on four occasions before Queen Victoria's reign in 1837, was highly successful both as a composer and personality. He possessed virtues highly esteemed by the Victorians like personal charm, incredible energy, strong organizational skills, and a Jewish background, which found acceptance in London amidst prominent figures like Nathan Rothschild and Benjamin Disraeli.
Mendelssohn's music resonated well in Victorian England due to its moderate expression of gentleness and joyful ambiance. His music found appreciation as the works of contemporaries such as Chopin and Schumann were considered too modern and emotionally unpredictable.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert warmly welcomed Mendelssohn, engaging in music performances together. Mendelssohn's exceptional musical skills brought great joy during their interactions.
In her diary entry on June 16, 1842, Queen Victoria described Mendelssohn as a man of small stature with a dark complexion and Jewish features. She admired his talent and described a memorable musical performance by him.
During Mendelssohn's subsequent visit to London two years later, he interacted casually with the Queen, playing melodies from the "Midsummer Night's Dream" and other compositions, displaying his warmth and intelligence.
Mendelssohn's personal life appeared as well-organized as his music. Despite his deep affection for his sister Fanny, their relationship remained platonic, as he found happiness in his marriage to Cécile.
Cécile, Mendelssohn's wife, impressed many with her beauty and skills as a hostess. Their marital bliss is evident in Mendelssohn's admiration for her elegance and his deepening love after their marriage.
Mendelssohn's musical style, often described as a blend of classicism and romanticism, showcased his disciplined artistry, though some critics noted tendencies towards repetitive structures in his compositions.
Philip Radcliffe highlighted the risk of overrating Mendelssohn's melodious talent by amateurs while professionals might underestimate it, emphasizing the delicate balance present in his compositions.
Although Mendelssohn's harmonic range did not push the boundaries as freely as some contemporaries like Chopin, his attention to harmonious details, particularly in his "Songs without Words," showcased his finesse in composition.
Despite evolving tastes, Mendelssohn's music, resonating with the English temperament, is likely to endure. His unmistakable talent should not be underestimated in a society lacking artistic genius.