Mendelssohn's classical orientation is reflected in his songwriting, often following the principles of his teacher Carl Zelter, who favored symmetrical strophic treatment where the poem spoke for itself.
Compositional Technique
Mendelssohn often used a varied strophic form in his songs from Opus 34 onwards, featuring a modified or completely reworked last stanza.
Compositional Technique
In the 1840s, Mendelssohn increasingly moved away from strophic song forms towards a loose ABA aria design or, more rarely, a freely evolving through-composed structure.
Composition History
The song 'Nachtlied' was revised in autumn 1847 while Mendelssohn was recovering from the loss of his sister, Fanny, shortly before his own death.
Composer Biography
During his lifetime, Mendelssohn was called 'the Mozart of the nineteenth century' by Robert Schumann and 'Bach reborn' by Franz Liszt.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Studio 3, Bayerische Rundfunk, Munich, Germany, from March 9-11, 1993.
Critical Reception
Felix Mendelssohn's reputation has fluctuated significantly, being celebrated as a progressive Romantic and heir to Baroque and Classical traditions during his lifetime, but later seen as tame compared to composers like Wagner and Liszt.
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