The first anti-Semitic pamphlet appeared only three years after his death at the age of 38 in 1847, beginning a century-long denigration of one of the 19th century’s best-loved composers, conductors, performers, and educators. But time and changing attitudes helped re-establish Felix Mendelssohn as the central figure who linked the Baroque and Classical periods with the aesthetics of the first generation of Romantic composers. The day’s lectures are highlighted by recordings.

9:30 to 10:45 a.m. A Life Devoted to Art

The son of a wealthy banker, young Mendelssohn by the age of 17 was an expert watercolorist, spoke four languages, and had composed 12 string symphonies, three piano quartets, and his Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Master of Vocal and Piano Competition

Mendelssohn is considered one of the most significant vocal composers of any era. The same melodic qualities found in his oratorios, cantatas, and songs were apparent in his many solo works for the piano, epitomized by the eight sets of Songs without Words.

12:15 to 1:45 p.m. Lunch

Participants provide their own lunch.

1:45 to 3 p.m. The Concertos

The Violin Concerto in E Minor—a staple of any concert artist’s repertoire—and his piano concertos in G and D minor and the Concertos for Two Pianos are discussed.

3:15 to 4:30 p.m. A Refined Symphonist and Ensemble Specialist

Mendelssohn composed both intimate music to be played in the salon and symphonic works suited to larger halls. His five symphonies, the string sinfonias, two piano trios, and the youthful Octet, Op. 20.

Instructor Robert Wyatt, a pianist and Steinway artist, is the director of music at Highfield Hall in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

CODE: 1M2-421