Fanny Mendelssohn

Fanny Mendelssohn, later Fanny Hensel, was a German pianist and composer, and the sister of Felix Mendelssohn; they were the grandchildren of the distinguished Jewish philosopher, Moses Mendelssohn.

Fanny Mendelssohn composed 466 pieces of music, including a piano trio and several books of solo piano pieces and songs. A number of her songs were originally published under her brother’s name in his opus 8 and 9 collections. One of these songs, “Italy”, was a favourite of Queen Victoria, who thought Felix had written it.

Fanny and Felix’s father, Abraham, was a prosperous banker. When Napoleon's troops occupied Hamburg in 1811, the Jewish family relocated to Berlin. There, in 1816, Fanny and her younger brother Felix were baptized as Lutherans. The two talented youngsters were brought up in an exceptionally stimulating atmosphere and both became highly accomplished composers and pianists. Based on contemporary accounts and her music, she had talents as a composer, that were comparable to those of her brother. Her father, however, opposed a professional career as unsuitable for a young gentlewoman. Felix carried on this opposition after their father's death.

Fanny continued to compose throughout her life, and, with encouragement from her husband, finally published a song in her own name in 1837. Nine years later, several books of her songs and piano pieces appeared.