Being an incredibly talented person, F. Mendelssohn composed a huge number of different works in his life, both for the orchestra and for vocal performance. His work was distinguished by a fresh look at the established foundations, but, despite some criticism, he achieved great success and forever became one of the most famous composers of all time.
Felix Mendelssohn came from a family of German Jews. From a very wealthy family, by the way. His father succeeded in banking, and his grandfather became famous as a philosopher. Jacob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy – this is the full name of the famous composer. Previously, his family was called simply the Mendelssohn, but after they adopted the Christian faith, they took a new surname – Bartholdi. However, in the history of Felix still went under the first name. Perhaps the life story of Mendelssohn would have turned differently if not for Karl Zelter, the famous German composer and part-time friend of his parents. He was the first to notice musical talent in a little boy, and recommended that his parents contribute to his development.
The first musical instruments mastered by Felix Mendelssohn were piano and violin. When he was only nine years old, he gave his first concert, playing for invited guests. Already in childhood, Mendelssohn not only masterfully played, but also sang beautifully. For the first time as a singer, he performed at the age of 10. Felix Mendelssohn composed his first musical works at the age of 12. at 16, he visited the Paris Conservatory, the rector of which, having familiarized himself with the works of young talent, gave them the highest rating. The famous writer Johann Goethe spoke highly of the work of the then very young Mendelssohn.
During his life, Mendelssohn composed over 100 major works, and many small ones. The composer was an excellent conductor, and personally conducted at his concerts. Mendelssohn considered Bach his favorite composer, who had already been forgotten by that time. Richard Wagner even accused him of emulating Bach, but his criticism was not taken seriously, since Wagner was known for his anti-Semitic views. The overture to William Shakespeare’s comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is now known as the world’s most popular wedding march.
Felix Mendelssohn held the title of Doctor of Philosophy. It was he who founded the famous conservatory in Leipzig, which exists to this day. The composer was married once, and in the marriage they had 5 children with his wife. During his life, Mendelson made friends with other eminent composers such as Liszt and Chopin.
