Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel

Fanny Mendelssohn (14 November 1805 – 14 May 1847) was a German composer and pianist of the early Romantic era who was known as Fanny Hensel after her marriage. Her compositions include a string quartet, a piano trio, a piano quartet, an orchestral overture, four cantatas, more than 125 pieces for the piano and over 250 lieder, most of which were unpublished in her lifetime. Although lauded for her piano technique, she rarely gave public performances outside her family circle.

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5. Charles Mayer

Although Fanny Mendelssohn had talents comparable to those of her younger and more famous brother Felix Mendelssohn – she even played a role in shaping some of his works – her father (and later Felix) would not allow her a professional career. Her love affair and eventual marriage to Wilhelm Hensel, a poor painter, also led to family controversy. However, she was given a thorough musical education: she studied piano, theory and composition in both Berlin and Paris. By the 1830s, Fanny Mendelssohn had become the leading figure in a flourishing salon in Berlin, for which she created most of her compositions. This environment, together with two trips to Italy, where she formed a close relationship with Gounod, proved important for her self-confidence, and in 1846 she declared her intention to start publishing her music. However, fairly soon after this she died of a fatal stroke, and most of her music remained unheard for many years to come. Lieder and solo piano pieces dominate Fanny Mendelssohn’s output, but there is also some chamber music with piano, such as the Piano Trio Op. 11.

Source by: pianosintheparks.com