Some of Fanny Mendelssohn's early compositions were published under her brother Felix Mendelssohn's name, including Lieder Op.8 Nos. 2, 3, 12 and Op.9 Nos.7, 10 and 12.
Composer Biography
Fanny Mendelssohn, elder sister of Felix Mendelssohn, was born into a wealthy family and received a high-profile cultural and musical education in Berlin.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Fanny Mendelssohn considered her compositional activity a personal and intimate diary, not intended for public diffusion, often naming piano pieces after her favorite haunts.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Fanny Mendelssohn was discouraged from public activity as a composer by her family, including her father who wrote that music for her "can and must be only an ornament."
Composition History
The Ostersonate (Easter Sonata) by Fanny Mendelssohn was only definitively attributed to her in 2010, after previously being attributed to her brother Felix.
Performer Biography
Gaia Sokoli, the pianist on this album, began studying piano at a young age and has won over 50 first prizes in national and international competitions.
Composition History
Of Fanny Mendelssohn's approximately 450 compositions, only a small portion is published today, with the complete catalog (H-U) drawn up by Renate Hellwig-Unruh in 2000.
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