Mendelssohn-Hensel - Piano Music

Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel

Although Fanny Mendelssohn (1805-1847) 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.

Mendelssohn-Hensel Piano Sheet Music

for digital devices or to download & print

Total pieces by Mendelssohn-Hensel: 12