Felix Mendelssohn was a German composer, pianist, and conductor from the early Romantic period. He wrote many types of music, including symphonies, concertos, piano and organ pieces, and chamber music. Some of his most famous works include the music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Italian and Scottish symphonies, and the song melody used in Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. His Songs Without Words are well-known piano pieces.

Mendelssohn came from a family of Jewish heritage, but he was baptised as a Christian at the age of seven. He was recognised as a child musical genius, but his parents did not try to make money from his talent. His sister, Fanny, was also a gifted composer and pianist, but many of her works were published under Felix’s name.

He played a key role in bringing back interest in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, especially through a famous performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion in 1829. Mendelssohn became popular across Europe, particularly in Britain, where many of his works were first performed. He was a traditional composer, preferring classical styles over the more dramatic music of composers like Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner. He founded the Leipzig Conservatory, a music school that promoted classical music traditions.

Mendelssohn’s music was praised for its technical skill and beauty. He believed music expressed emotions too clear for words. Composer Robert Schumann called him “the Mozart of the 19th century” because of his ability to blend different musical ideas. Unlike some composers who wanted to break old musical traditions, Mendelssohn aimed to refine and develop past styles rather than replace them.

As a child, Mendelssohn was influenced by composers like Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn. His early works included 13 string symphonies written between the ages of 12 and 14. His String Octet and Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, both written in his teens, show his incredible talent.

Mendelssohn’s five major symphonies were written in a different order than their numbering suggests. His Scottish Symphony was inspired by a visit to Scotland, and his Italian Symphony was influenced by his travels in Italy. Today, Mendelssohn is considered one of the greatest composers of the Romantic period.