Fanny Mendelssohn

Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel was born in Germany on 14^th November 1805.  She was the oldest sister of a well known composer, Felix Mendelssohn.  She was a brilliant pianist and composer, but was unfortunately born during a period where most people thought women should not do things like perform in concerts or publish writings.  Many women had great talent but were persuaded to stay away from the public where they would be frowned upon.  Fanny Mendelssohn was one of these ladies.  She did have the courage to continue writing and some of her music ended up being published or performed by her brother on her behalf.  When asked, he acknowledged it was Fanny’s work.  He was proud of her.

Fanny Mendelssohn received the same musical education by many of the same teachers as her brother.  She was a young, prodigious composer and player.  Her music was much appreciated, although the attitude of the time did not give her the liberty to openly claim it to be her own.  When her brother played for Queen Victoria, the queen stated her favourite piece of all – at which point Felix proudly declared it was a composition by his sister.  At the age of 18, Fanny’s musical education was ended so she could devote herself to the ‘acceptable role’ of caring for a domestic household and husband.

Fanny Mendelssohn married a painter, Wilhelm Hensel, who encouraged her composition and playing.  He gave her opportunities in discrete situations to play and write – out of the public’s eye.  It is because of the devotion of her husband and brother that any of Fanny’s compositions are still in existence and now printed and recorded.  They allowed her opportunities that were denied other potentially great women, such as Nanerl Mozart.

Fanny Mendelssohn only played once in public.  In 1838, she performed her brother’s Piano Concerto no. 1.

Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn were so attached to one another that after Fanny died of a stroke in 1847, Felix became ill from sadness.  He died only 6 months later.

Fanny Mendelssohn composed 446 pieces including a piano trio, several opuses of piano solos and vocal songs.  Her music is based on the idea of the human voice, on singing and melody.  She wrote many pieces in the form of Lieder ohne Worte (songs without words) and many of these were published in her brother’s name.  Felix Mendelssohn is famous for his Leider but it is thought that Fanny might have been the founding developer of this form – an inspiration to her brother. 

Last modified: April 13, 2009