FELIX MENDELSSOHN Sinfonia No . 9 in C Major , “ Swiss ,” IV . Allegro Vivace
“ It ’ s not that music is too imprecise for words , but too precise .” – Mendelssohn
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Born 1809 in Hamburg , Germany ; died 1847 in Leipzig , Germany
• Mendelssohn was born in Hamburg into a prominent Jewish family . His grandfather was the well-respected philosopher Moses Mendelssohn . Felix eventually converted to Christianity , most likely to be more well accepted into society , although that did not prevent him from experiencing anti-Semitism throughout his life .
• Mendelssohn was a musical prodigy showing immense talent from an early age . His sister Fanny also displayed great musical talents ; however , due to her gender , she was not allowed to pursue composing as a career . Felix published several of Fanny ’ s works for her under his name .
• Mendelssohn passed away when he was only 38 years old but remains one of the most celebrated composers of the early Romantic period . His legacy stretches beyond his own compositions : not only did he found the Leipzig Conservatory , but he also played a major role in reviving interest in the music of J . S . Bach .
THE WORLD AT A GLANCE
1821
MUSIC Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No . 31 , op . 110
FASHION Louis Vuitton is born
FUN FACT
Felix Mendelssohn was a skilled visual artist who worked in paint and watercolors throughout his life .
MEDIA The Guardian is founded
ABOUT THE PIECE
• Mendelssohn ’ s 13 string symphonies were tributes to early Classical symphonies in the style of Haydn and Mozart .
• This beautiful and lively fourth movement from the symphony was written in 1821 , when the composer was just 13 years old !
HISTORY The Republic of Colombia is established with Simón Bolívar as President
BSO SESSIONS | FEBRUARY 2021
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