Felix Mendelssohn

Born on February 3, 1809 in Hamburg, Germany

Died on November 4, 1847

Nationality: German

Period/Style: Romantic

About the composer:

Felix was probably the most successful musician of the 19^th Century.  As a young child his genius was obvious, and he was often compared to Mozart who had also been a ‘child prodigy.’  Felix had a life of opportunity and very little hardship.  He knew many of the most important and influential musicians of his day, and they respected him very much.  When he was still in his twenties he was appointed music director and conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus (ge-VAHNT-house) concerts, which was quite remarkable for such a young man.  He also started a Conservatory (music school) in that city.  He had very high musical standards and a strong work ethic, and he raised the quality of musical life in Leipzig.  Perhaps he worked too hard, because all the stress and demands of his busy life made him very sick and he died at the age of 38.

About the music:

Scherzo from Octet (approx. 4 min) (SKART-zoh: first syllable rhymes with “care”)

A string octet is simply two quartets combined: four violins, two violas and two cellos. The music itself is also called “octet.” This part came easily for Mendelssohn. He wrote it on the first try! It is lighthearted, very fast and playful, and seems to evaporate into thin air at the end.  “Scherzo” is Italian for “joke.”

String Symphonies (Nos. 1-6 are 8-12 min.  No.7 is 19-21 min. No.8 is 25-30 min.)

Felix wrote these before he was 15 years old. Unlike his full-scale symphonies, these don’t use any winds, brass or percussion – only string instruments. They are very nicely written, especially for such a young composer! The last two are in four movements each, and the others each contain three movements.

Wedding March (4-5 min)

This familiar wedding march is part of a much larger work. It’s music he wrote for a Shakespeare play called “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This march has been used for weddings ever since Mendelssohn’s time, and we still hear it often today. It is very festive and joyful, which makes it quite fitting for a wedding.

Suggested Activities:

Can you find the origin of the name “Felix”?