Mendelssohn: The Complete Solo Piano Music 2

Featuring

Howard Shelley
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Did you know?

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Critical Reception

Mendelssohn's reputation suffered in the 20th century due to a reaction against Victorianism and the banning of his music by the Nazis, leading to him being remembered as a purveyor of 'comfortable salon music'.

Composition History

Mendelssohn composed or began nearly 200 works for piano, but only about 70 were published during his lifetime, with another 25 appearing posthumously.

Composer Biography

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy was considered one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century, achieving legendary status for his performances and improvisations.

Album & Artwork

This album is part of Howard Shelley's six-volume survey of Mendelssohn's complete solo piano music, offering a chance to reassess this repertoire.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mendelssohn was a tireless editor and performer of Bach and Handel, arguing for continuity in the European classical tradition, which he saw as a wellspring of his own inspiration.

Performer Biography

Howard Shelley, the pianist on this recording, has had a distinguished career since his 1971 London debut, often performing in the combined role of conductor and soloist.

Composer Biography

As a child prodigy, Mendelssohn was compared to Mozart by figures like Goethe, Heine, and Robert Schumann, who called him 'the Mozart of the nineteenth century'.