The Mendelssohn Family (1729–1847): Volume 2
From Letters and Journals

The two-volume 1881 translation of Felix Mendelssohn's nephew's account of one of the nineteenth century's most celebrated musical families.

Sebastian Hensel (Author), Carl Klingemann (Translated by), George Grove (Introduction by)

9781108066280, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 September 2013

380 pages, 4 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.1 cm, 0.48 kg

Sebastian Hensel (1830–98), nephew of the composer, virtuoso pianist and conductor Felix Mendelssohn (1809–47), originally intended this work to be 'not only of the family but for the family', drawing on their letters and diaries. Persuaded by friends to publish his narrative in 1879, Hensel in particular provides a first-hand insight into the lives of his uncle, lionized by the music-loving public of his day, and Felix's beloved sister Fanny (1805–47), herself a talented composer and pianist. Translated from the German revised second edition by Felix's close friend, diplomat Carl Klingemann (1798–1862), this 1881 two-volume collection made available for the first time in English a great deal of valuable source material. Covering the period 1836–47, Volume 2 focuses on the final decade of Fanny and Felix's lives, and includes a delightful description by George Grove of Felix's personal appearance.

1. 1836–9
2. Italy
3. Naples to Berlin
4. 1841, at home again
5. The years 1842 and 1843
6. Letter from home and abroad
7. Meeting in Italy
8. Conclusion
Index.

Subject Areas: Classical music [c 1750 to c 1830 AVGC4]