The Pianist Corner: Felix Mendelssohn
Today I am excited to introduce you to a new section of the blog: The Pianist Corner!
Every three months I'll be making space to talk about a pianist and familiarize you with some of their work.
The goal is to help you tap into your artistic brain (and heart) so you can decompress, get in touch with your feelings, and learn to appreciate some of the classics. So let's dive right into it!
This month, our chosen character is Felix Mendelssohn.
Although not known by many in the popular arena as it is Mozart or Beethoven, some people in the professional world might consider him to be even more of an accomplish pianist (say what!).
Here are a few facts about him:
- He was born on February 3rd, 1809 in Hamburg, Germany
- He was the second child of four children and developed a really strong bond with his older sister (also an accomplished pianist and who probably influenced his declining health after her death)
- His family had been Jews but converted to Lutheran religion when he was around six-years old
- He began playing around 4 years of age and by 16 he had already composed the Octet followed by the Midsummer Night's Dream Overture (Mozart at the same age had nothing comparable to show!)
- He got married in his mid-twenties and had four children of his own (who all became successful and had good status in society, but none in the musical world)
- He died when he was only 38 years old from nervous breakdowns and heart-attacks (possibly exacerbated by the death of her sister some six months prior)
His Music
If you asked me to describe Mendelssohn from my own experience, I would say that his solo piano compositions are a mixture of Feelings, Flow, and Romanticism.
Feelings
When listening to his piano compositions, I just FEEL his emotions as if he was talking or singing to me.
For example, his Lieder ohne Worte Op. 62: No. 6 in A Major (see video down below) has this little taaa-tara-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-a-a section at the beginning which I think is so quirky and shy, as if he was trying to warm-up to you on a first meeting.
Mendelssohn definitely sang his heart out, but he used the piano keys instead of his voice to articulate his deepest heart's intentions.
Flow
His piano compositions feel as if they are floating in air (literally, they just feel so light and free from any restrictions or rigid formats).
Listening to his tracks while doing homework or cleaning is such a soothing thing.
To me, it feels as if he had these feathery fingers that just glided over the keys and made notes sound continuous and delicate.
"His fingers sang as they rippled over the keyboard"
Romanticism
Yes, Mendelssohn definitely took on the new era by letting go of the rigidity and rules of previous times.
His expressive tones and methods showed in his compositions as he went on exalt the magic of great works of literature (like Shakespeare) and of his own imagination.
One example that I really like and moves me into this tone is his Lieder ohne Worte Op.30: No. 6, F Sharp Minor Andante sostenuto. Throughout this section, I feel moved into the mystic nature of his feelings and the urgency he is continuously creating with his crescendo and decrescendos in addition to the trills.
Anyone interested in hearing love, adventure, fairies, and much more? Then Mendelssohn's pieces are for you.
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If you are interested in diving a little more into Mendelssohn and want to experience his works, I am leaving you below an excerpt to listen to that will introduce you to this magnificent pianist.
Dive in!
Trust the process. Live the commitment