Who is Felix Mendelssohn?
Felix Mendelssohn was a world-renowned German pianist, conductor and composer of the 19th century. Although his work was often coolly received by his contemporaries, he is now considered one of the greatest composers of his time. Mendelssohn wrote in a variety of musical forms, and is responsible for one of the most famous pieces of music in the classical canon. Born in 1809 to wealthy Jewish parents in Hamburg, Germany, the young Felix was considered a child prodigy on the piano and often bore comparison to Mozart for his youthful abilities. His family’s money afforded many trips around Europe, as well as a first-rate education for Felix and his three siblings. Despite his parents’ conversion to the Lutheran faith, Mendelssohn’s later musical compositions were often discounted by the rise of anti-Semitic beliefs throughout Europe. By the age of 12, Felix was already an accomplished composer. He became a correspondent of the famous poet Goethe, and dedicated his B minor pianoforte quar
