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Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about Felix Mendelssohn

Felix Mendelssohn by Kreidezeichnung von J.Schmelzer fom

Jakob Ludwig was born Between 1809 and 1847, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, also known as Felix Mendelssohn, was a prominent composer, conductor, pianist, and teacher. He was among the most well-known musicians in the first half of the Romantic era. He also adored classical music and incorporated it into his own compositions.

Mendelssohn was born to pianists who were both Jews and Christians. They started the process off by taking him through his first piano lessons. Throughout his brief career, a lot occurred. Here are ten fascinating facts about Felix Mendelssohn you might not know.

1. He had money growing up

Mendelssohn was raised in a prosperous family. Because of his money, he had little problems to cope with as he advanced in his job. This stood in stark contrast to the ideas of Romanticism, which were appealing to the suffering elements of society. Felix, on the other hand, was easily able to pass muster and don the Romantic cloak.

The question of how he managed to fit in so well with the new style, which was at odds with the “nobles and elites” of the society at the time, has split historians. He wrote his most well-known compositions in this fashion.

2. He was the Queen’s preferred singer

Mendelssohn bei Goethe by Altes Bild from

Mendelssohn was, in the opinion of Queen Victoria, “the greatest musical talent that ever lived since Mozart.” She added that he was the friendliest person she had ever met. The queen said she personally respected and appreciated his wonderful compositions and thought of him as someone who was worshipped by those who knew him well.

The musician was also referred to by the queen as being superb and revered, as well as a magnificent genius and someone with a great mind despite having a fragile body. The musician, the queen claimed, was humble and modest despite all of this.

3. Felix wore a coat of many colours

Mendelssohn’s family was primarily composed of talented musicians and artists who excelled in a variety of artistic mediums. The young Felix was a gifted kid prodigy who excelled at many other forms of art, including poetry, painting, linguistics, sports, and many more.

Felix was a natural in most of the aforementioned fields when he was young. He devoted himself to the performing arts, which were his main passion. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information available as a reference because his achievements in other sectors weren’t properly documented.

4. He lived a tidy, orderly existence

Martha Mendelssohn by Otto Leiber from

The majority of musicians at the time lived carefree lives. They frequently wasted away on prostitution and drink. Felix Mendelssohn, on the other hand, was an exception. He maintained his composure and lived a morally upright life.

In 1837, Felix wed Cecile Charlotte Sophie Jeanrenaud, a priest’s daughter from France. The family life of the couple, who had three kids, was largely unremarkable. This couple’s brief marriage was reported as being joyful and content. Within a year of his passing, Cecile passed away.

5. He reawakened enthusiasm for Bach’s compositions

Bach Form Minuet by J.S. Bach from

Felix Mendelssohn, who was 22 at the time, planned a concert that featured Bach’s “St. Mathew Passion.” Since the composer’s passing in 1750, this composition had not been played. His performance was a big hit, and word of the good news quickly went throughout the nation. Even later in his career, he had requests to play the song.

According to many historians, this marked the start of a resurgence in interest in Bach’s works. Felix’s example in playing the music encouraged other artists to follow suit, which raised awareness of Bach’s compositions even further. Bach was a well-known musician of the late Baroque era and a source of inspiration for several composers throughout history.

6. Young Felix did not adhere to all Jewish customs

Felix did not go through the typical Jewish rites of passage at an early age, such as circumcision, like any other Jewish boy would. This occurred as a result of his father’s previous rejection of the faith.

The father then prefixed his name with the names Ludwig and Jacob. The musician did not, however, ever make use of them. The family did not enjoy having Bartholdy’s name added to Felix’s official name, Fanny, Felix’s sister, once wrote to her brother. For this reason, in all of his official communications, he was always referred to as Felix Mendelssohn.

7. He cherished the UK

Mendelssohn is reported to have made a record-breaking ten trips to Great Britain. The Scottish islands along the coast were among his favorite places. Additionally, he composed music inspired by some of his visits to Staffa, an island off the coast of Mull that is home to the Fingals Cave.

He also composed a song about the Hebrides Group of Islands, which are situated in northern Scotland. Both places contributed to him creating the outstanding work that is the “Hebrides Overture.” Felix claimed in a letter that these journeys changed his perspective on life and increased his enthusiasm for travel.

8. Mendelssohn was influenced by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven

mozart by Barbara Krafft from

Felix became interested in writing music while he was just 12 years old. By the time he was 14 years old, it’s estimated that he had already written more than 12 string symphonies. Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach were the primary influences for the majority of the symphonies.

Throughout his formative years, the young musician continued to hone his craft, which culminated in his rendition of Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion.” He used to practice his piano and other instruments at home with the instruction of his parents, playing the songs of the three legendary musicians.

9. His star was tarnished by antisemitism

The Jewish people missed out on possibilities to grow because of the severe antisemitism that pervaded the European nations at the time. Those who had already amassed wealth continued to enjoy comfortable lives, but they were unable to advance in the hostile society.

Felix’s career may have stagnated due to this situation at some time in his middle age. Instead of a fusion of classical and romantic music, historians contend that there was a revolution in music, with many people favoring later genres of Romanticism. Thankfully, his music was discovered and appreciated later in the 20th century.

10. He predicted his own demise

Mendelssohn Quintette Club by Ryan from

In his later years, Mendelssohn struggled with health issues. He was worn out and sick from the music tours and visits around England and Scotland. Without the modern medical treatments, he had progressively weakened.

He had a string of strokes, each of which he overcame to live until the final one, which took his life at the age of 38. It was interesting that he had somehow known he would die. He expressed his desire that death would be a place where there would be music, no crying, and he would not have to say goodbye to the people he loved. Shortly after making the statement, he passed away.

The musician was a Christian who created a number of pious tunes that attracted people to his society and the nobility. After his passing, many influential people showed their sorrow. Queen Victoria was one of them.