Album insights
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, recognized as one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century, earned a legendary status through his performances and improvisations. However, his piano compositions did not quite measure up to the finest works of the era. Despite his efforts, Mendelssohn's music was seen as lacking the depth found in works by composers like Chopin and Brahms. While considered a competent pianist, his technical demands did not rival Liszt's intense pieces.
Throughout the 20th century, Mendelssohn's piano music faced skepticism and critique, leading to a decline in his reputation. Contrary to his earlier acclaim, he was often regarded as a provider of pleasant but unremarkable salon music. Factors such as his association with Victorianism and the ban of his music by the Nazis further tarnished his image. Despite possessing qualities like charm and brilliance, Mendelssohn's music was deemed lacking in profound impact by post-war culture.
In a stark contrast, Mendelssohn's rapid rise in the 1830s and 40s led to his canonization as a significant musician. Celebrated as a prodigy akin to Mozart, he contributed extensively across various musical genres but never ventured into opera composition. Known for transforming the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Mendelssohn also championed the works of Bach and Handel, drawing inspiration for his compositions. As a pianist, his refined style garnered praise for its elegance and clarity.
Today, a resurgence of interest in Mendelssohn's music is evident, with Howard Shelley's comprehensive recording of the solo piano works prompting a reevaluation of his repertoire. Mendelssohn's compositions for piano, numbering close to 200 works, saw only around 70 published during his lifetime. Noteworthy among these were the innovative "Songs Without Words," a form that refrained from textual elements, favoring purely musical expressions.
Mendelssohn's meticulous work with these pieces involved composing, refining, and organizing them into sets. He carefully crafted each piece, often drawing on personal experiences or themes to create intricate musical dialogues. Despite facing challenges in the reception of his music, Mendelssohn's legacy endures, showcasing his versatility and contributions to the musical landscape.