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Felix Mendelssohn Program Notes, Sheet Music ,and biographal information.

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847): The Serene Romantic with a Sparkle

Born into an affluent and cultured family in Hamburg, Germany, in 1809, Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy was a child prodigy of astonishing breadth, a true "Renaissance man" of the Romantic era. Grandson of the renowned philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, he grew up surrounded by intellect, art, and music, alongside his equally talented sister, Fanny Hensel. His childhood performances were legendary, often featuring private orchestras for which he'd write new works.

A Prodigy's Early Triumphs

Mendelssohn's gifts extended far beyond music; he was a talented painter, a fluent linguist, and a gifted writer, possessing a quick wit and charming demeanor. His musical style, while firmly Romantic, always retained a classical clarity, elegance, and transparency, earning him the moniker "the Mozart of the 19th Century." By the age of 17, he had already composed his miraculous Overture to Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream – a work of such gossamer lightness and magical orchestration that it remains a cornerstone of the repertoire.

Mendelssohn was also a pivotal figure in the revival of older music. In 1829, at just 20 years old, he famously conducted the first performance of J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion since Bach's death, a monumental undertaking that reignited interest in the Baroque master's sacred works.

Travels, Inspiration, and a Witty Storm

Throughout his relatively short life, Mendelssohn was a tireless traveler, and his journeys often provided direct inspiration for his compositions. His beloved Scotland, in particular, left a deep impression.

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    Mendelssohn Felix (1809-1847)   
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