FELIX MENDELSSOHN Nocturno for Winds , Mvt . I and II
“ 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 in 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
1826
MUSIC Beethoven ’ s String Quartet in C-Sharp Minor
FUN FACT
Felix Mendelssohn was a skilled visual artist who worked in paint and watercolors throughout his life .
TECHNOLOGY The first railway tunnel is built
ABOUT THE PIECE
• Mendelssohn composed his Nocturno for Winds in 1826 for a German spa band that consisted of 11 wind players .
• The composition was later used as the basis for his Overture for Winds , op . 24 .
LITERATURE Kobayashi Issa enters his final creative period
HISTORY The American Temperance Society is founded
BSO SESSIONS | MAY-JUNE 2021
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