Description

With a foreword by Johannes Forner.

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and women, this is – superficially seen – not really a risqué topic, because who expects »affairs« in Mendelssohn’s life, will probably be disappointed. In this book, however, 29 female figures lap around the revered, beloved, and cared for master. There are the women of the immediate family, youth acquaintances, students, artists, and other celebrities who were able to rely on his affection and collegiality, some even on longstanding, repeatedly rendered support from the patron.

Mendelssohn possesed an all original talent, to please the fair sex. He was not stingy with compliments, knew how to flirt, to play with feelings, called himself even a »inveterate pesterer«, but hardly ever lost control over himself. He knew to protect himself against too intrusive adoration by mocking-superior remarks what has sometimes been construed him as arrogance.

Even – or especially – in company with women, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy shows himself as diversely interested and tolerant person, to whom family was important, if not necessary, but who did not persisted in a small circle. Even the confident and understanding dealings with artists from different European countries show the composer and musician as true European; his steering towards young people who wanted to pursue a musical career, as a good teacher who loved the youth, took youngsters seriously and was curious about new talents.

Added Text: »Blumensalven für Felix« by Veronika van Tetterode about Mendelssohn’s love for flowers …

2014, 256 pages, hardcover, many coloured illustrations, 12 x 21 cm;
ISBN: 978-3-938533-48-2