This album was recorded in September 2021 at Festeburgkirche, Frankfurt am Main, with Jens F. Meier as the recording producer.
Compositional Technique
Fanny Hensel's 'Das Jahr' incorporates Protestant chorales, a practice also seen in her brother Felix Mendelssohn's works, and references J.S. Bach, whom the siblings revered.
Composition History
Fanny Hensel's husband, the painter Wilhelm Hensel, supported her musical talent and contributed to the score of 'Das Jahr' with his own drawings and Goethe quotes.
Performer Biography
Pianist Diana Sahakyan, born in Yerevan, has won numerous international competitions, including 'Concours international Flame' (France) and 'Klaviersommer Cochem' (Germany).
Critical Reception
Although Fanny Hensel performed her compositions privately, the complete cycle of 'Das Jahr' was not publicly premiered until 1987, 146 years after its completion.
Composer Biography
Fanny Hensel's father, the banker Abraham Mendelssohn, discouraged her from pursuing a professional music career, stating music should only be an 'accessory' for her.
Composition History
Fanny Hensel's 'Das Jahr' (The Year) was inspired by a happy and eventful trip to Italy in 1839 with her husband and son.
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