Felix Mendelssohn was a talented composer, conductor, and pianist born on February 3, 1809, in Hamburg, Germany. From a young age, he showed remarkable musical talent and a love for literature and art.
Mendelssohn is famous for reviving Bach’s music with his 1829 performance of St. Matthew Passion and for composing popular works like the Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Italian Symphony.
Despite facing challenges like anti-Semitism and personal losses, his influence on classical music remains strong. Discover more about this fascinating figure with these 10 facts about Felix Mendelssohn.
Related: The most famous German composers of all time.
1. He Was A Rich Kid
Felix Mendelssohn was born into a wealthy family, which made his career journey a bit smoother compared to others. This was quite different from the Romantic era ideals, which often appealed to those struggling in society. However, Mendelssohn was able to embrace and fit into the Romantic style effortlessly.
Historians sometimes wonder how he could blend so well with the new style that was against the “nobles and elites” of the society at the time. It is in this style that he made his most famous compositions.
Related: Read more famous Romantic period composers.
2. He Was The Queen’s Favorite Musician
In her words, Queen Victoria described Mendelssohn as “the greatest musical genius that ever lived since Mozart.” She also described him as the most amiable man she had ever met.
The queen considered him as someone who was worshiped by those who knew him intimately and said that she personally admired and appreciated his beautiful compositions.
She also described him as excellent and revered, a wonderful genius, and one with a great mind, although he had a frail body. Despite all this, the queen said the musician was simple and modest.
3. Felix Wore A Coat Of Many Colors
Mendelssohn came from a family of artists and musicians who were great at many different art forms. As a child, Felix was a true prodigy, shining in different arts like languages, sports, poetry, and painting.
Although he was talented in many fields, Felix’s real passion was the performing arts, which he pursued with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately, not much is known about his other talents since they weren’t well documented.
4. He Led A Clean, Composed Life
During the era, most musicians led carefree lives. They would often waste away on alcohol and prostitution. However, this was not the case with Felix Mendelssohn. He was composed and led a straight, clean way of living.
Felix got married to Cecile Charlotte Sophie Jeanrenaud, a daughter of a French priest, in 1837. The couple had three children and lived a somewhat uneventful family life.
This couple had a short-lived marriage, described as happy and peaceful. Cecile died within a year of his demise.
5. He Reignited Interest In Bach’s Music
When Mendelssohn was 22, he put together a concert featuring Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion,” which hadn’t been performed since Bach’s death in 1750.
The performance was a big hit and quickly made news across the country. Mendelssohn was even asked to perform the piece several more times throughout his career.
Many historians think this was when people started showing more interest in Bach’s music again. Mendelssohn leading the way in performing Bach’s works also inspired other musicians to follow suit, which helped spread awareness of Bach’s music even more.
Related: Our list of facts about Bach.
6. Young Felix Didn’t Follow All The Jewish Traditions
When Felix was young, he didn’t go through the usual Jewish rites, like circumcision, because his father had already left the Jewish faith. His father also added the names Ludwig and Jakob to his name, but Felix never used them.
Felix’s sister Fanny once mentioned that the family wasn’t fond of the name Bartholdy being added. That’s why Felix was always known as Felix Mendelssohn in all his official papers.
Related: Interesting facts about Fanny Mendelssohn.
7. He Loved Great Britain
Mendelssohn is said to have visited Great Britain a record 10 times, with a special fondness for the islands off the coast of Scotland. He was especially inspired by his trips to Staffa, known for Fingal’s Cave, and the Hebrides Islands in northern Scotland.
These visits greatly influenced his music, helping him create the famous Hebrides Overture. In a letter, Felix mentioned how these trips affected his outlook on life and raised his general morale for traveling.
8. Beethoven, Mozart, And Bach Inspired Him
Felix’s interest in music composition started at the tender age of 12. It is believed that he had already created over 12 string symphonies, inspired by Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach, by the time he was 14.
The young musician continued to refine his art throughout his youth, culminating in the performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.
He used to play the songs of the three great musicians when practicing with his piano and other instruments at home under the guidance of his parents.
Related: Our list of facts about Mozart.
9. Antisemitism Dulled His Star
There was strong antisemitism that spread across the European countries during the period, and the Jewish people lost opportunities to expand.
Those who had already made their money continued to live well but could not progress in the hostile society. This predicament may have stalled Felix’s career at some point in his midlife.
On the other hand, there was a revolution in music, with many people favoring the later Romantic styles over the blend of classical and romantic music. Luckily, Felix Mendelssohn’s music was appreciated again later in the 20th century.
10. He Foresaw His Own Death
In the final years of his life, Mendelssohn struggled with poor health. The many music tours and trips across England and Scotland took a toll on him, and he became increasingly frail without the medical treatments we have today.
He suffered several strokes, recovering from each one until the final stroke took his life at age 38. Interestingly, he had a sense that his end was near.
He once described death as a place where he hoped there would be music, no sorrow, and no need to part from loved ones. He passed away not long after making this hopeful statement.
Summing Up Our List Of Lesser-Known Facts About Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn lived a short but beautiful, fun-filled life. During his 38 years, he indulged in various activities, with his true passion being music.
His passing was deeply mourned by many, including high-ranking figures like Queen Victoria. Nevertheless, he left the world with an amazing collection of classical music.
His life and works continue to be an inspiration for new generations of musicians and listeners, ensuring he is always remembered.
