פליקס מנדלסון-ברתולדי

Felix Mendelson Bartholdy (1809-1947), composer, conductor, pianist, born in Hamburg, Germany, the son of Abraham Mendelssohn, a banker and a patron of the arts, and the grandson of Moses Mendelsohn, a philosopher of the Enlightenment. Recognized as a musical prodigy, he received a thorough education in both music and the humanities under the guidance of his parents, who engaged some of the finest music teachers and composers of the time to further his musical education. He began composing music at the age of nine and continued to produce remarkable works throughout his life. In 1816, his family moved to Berlin, where Mendelssohn continued his musical studies. He was introduced to some of the leading musicians of the time, among them Carl Friedrich Zelter and Ludwig Berger, who played a central role in shaping his musical development. Zelter, in particular, was a mentor and close friend, providing Mendelssohn with invaluable guidance and introducing him to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, which would become a lifelong passion.

Mendelssohn's early compositions displayed a maturity and sophistication that belied his age. At the age of 17, he composed his famous overture to Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, a work that remains one of his most enduring and popular compositions and that firmly established him as a prominent composer in Europe.

Mendelssohn continued to develop his career as a musician and composer. He travelled extensively across Europe, including to Paris, London, and other major European cities, showcasing his prodigious talent as a pianist and conductor. His encounters with contemporary composers, among them Franz Liszt, Hector Berlioz, and Niccolò Paganini further enriched his musical experiences and broadened his horizons.

Mendelssohn's music drew inspiration from the works of Bach and Handel, reviving their music at a time when it had fallen into relative obscurity. His oratorio, "Elijah," is a testament to his deep admiration for Handel's music and his ability to infuse new life into the oratorio tradition. Other notable works include his Italian Symphony, Scottish Symphony, and his Violin Concerto in E minor, which remains a staple of the violin repertoire. Mendelssohn's contributions to music were not limited to composition. He also played a significant role in reviving interest in the music of Bach, conducting performances of Bach's St. Matthew Passion that led to a revival of curiosity in Baroque music. His position as the conductor of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig solidified his reputation as a respected conductor.

Felix Mendelssohn died a few months after the passing of his sister, the pianist and composer Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel (1805-1847). The siblings maintained a close relationship throughout their lives with Fanny serving as Felix's confidant and counselor.