MENDELSSOHN

Mendelssohn

Felix Mendelssohn was a was a German composer, pianist, organist and conductor. During the early romantic period he composed symphonies, concertos, piano music, organ music and chamber music.

He was a grandson of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn and was born into a prominent Jewish family. He was brought up without religion until the age of seven, when he was baptised as a Reformed Christian. Felix was recognised early as a musical prodigy, (as was his sister)  and he began taking piano lessons from his mother when he was six. A year later was being tutored in Paris.

He was a prolific composer from an early age and as an adolescent, his works were often performed at home with a private orchestra. Between the ages of 12 and 14, Mendelssohn wrote 12 string symphonies and a number of chamber works. His first work, a piano quartet, was published when he was 13 and in 1824 the 15-year-old wrote his first symphony for full orchestra (in C minor, Op. 11).

Mendelssohn enjoyed early success in Germany, and revived interest in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, notably with his performance of the St Matthew Passion in 1829. He became well received in his travels throughout Europe as a composer, conductor and soloist. Many of his major works were premiered in Great Britain. He founded The Leipzig Conservatory. Due to changing musical tastes and antisemitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his popularity took a downturn but his creative originality has been re-evaluated. He is now among the most popular composers of the Romantic era.

Backing Tracks – Alleluia, Glory To Our God (Organ) … Almighty Father Hear Our Prayer … Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord … Hear Ye Israel … Is Not His Word Like A Fire … Is It Enough … Ye People Rend Your Hearts – If With All Your Hearts … O Rest In The Lord … O For The Wings Of A Dove … On Wings Of Song … Tarantella … The Birds In The Forest Are Happy … The Cross You’ve Suffered On … Then Shall The Righteous …Woe Unto Them …