Fanny Mendelssohn - A Life of Music

Fannie Mendelssohn, born in 1805, was a talented composer who faced societal challenges due to her gender. Despite her privileged upbringing and musical education, she was encouraged to view music as a hobby. Her brother Felix Mendelssohn supported her work, even publishing some under his name. Fannie married Wilhelm Hensel, who encouraged her to continue composing. She eventually published her own works, but her life was cut short by a stroke. Her legacy includes over 460 compositions, with some works being rediscovered and attributed to her in recent years.

What was a significant factor in Fannie Mendelssohn's early music education?

• Her mother's musical background

• Her move to Berlin

• Her father's profession as a banker

• Her brother's influence

What was the societal expectation for Fannie Mendelssohn's career?

• To become a music teacher

• To treat music as a hobby

• To pursue a career in banking

• To become a professional musician

How did Fannie Mendelssohn share her music with the public in Berlin?

• By publishing her music

• By performing in public concerts

• Through private family events

• By hosting concerts at her home

What role did Felix Mendelssohn play in Fannie's musical career?

• He taught her how to compose

• He discouraged her from composing

• He published some of her works under his name

• He ignored her musical talents

What was Wilhelm Hensel's condition for marrying Fannie?

• She must stop composing

• She must continue composing

• She must perform publicly

• She must publish her works

What was a significant step Fannie took in 1846 regarding her music?

• She started publishing under her own name

• She began teaching music

• She moved to a new city

• She stopped composing

What was discovered about Fannie's music in 2010?

• She had written over 500 pieces

• Her music was mistakenly attributed to Felix

• She composed an opera

• Her music was never performed