Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, commonly known simply as Felix Mendelssohn, was a profound German composer, pianist, organist, and conductor of the early Romantic period. Born on February 3, 1809, in Hamburg into a notable Jewish family that later converted to Christianity, Mendelssohn's talents manifested early—he was recognized as a prodigy akin to the likes of Mozart, composing his first public works at the tender age of ten. His comprehensive musical education was augmented by an equally impressive general education, which included philosophy and the arts, reflecting the era’s ideals of cultivating a well-rounded genius.

Mendelssohn's oeuvre includes symphonies, concerti, oratorios, piano and chamber music, with his most famous works capturing the romantic spirit while displaying classical form and clarity, bridging these two defining eras of Western music. Notable works such as the overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream," which includes the famous Wedding March, Symphony No. 3 "Scottish," and the Violin Concerto in E minor, affirm his place as one of the great romantic composers. His revival of Johann Sebastian Bach's music, beginning with the 1829 performance of the "St. Matthew Passion," denotes his influence beyond composing, crowning him a pivotal figure in the Bach renaissance. Mendelssohn's musical style is characterized by lyrical melodies, expressive harmonies, and his use of historical forms within the context of early romanticism, making his compositions enduring and popular staples in concert halls worldwide. He passed away on November 4, 1847, but his legacy as an iconic figure of 19th-century music endures, as evinced by the frequent performances and recordings of his work up to the present day.

Genres

Classical

Early Romantic Era

German Romanticism

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Latest Release

Éclats. Piano Music from the Golden Age (Extended Edition)

Percy Grainger•

Bedřich Smetana•

Felix Mendelssohn•

Franz Liszt•

Robert Schumann•

Johann Sebastian Bach

Album - 47 Tracks - Released September 17, 2024