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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Happy Birthday Felix!

Two hundred years ago today, composer/pianist and educator, Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, better known as Felix Mendelssohn, was born.

Though he only lived to be 38 years old, Mendelssohn’s prodigious body of music is his legacy – 11 symphonies, five operas, concertos, choral, chamber and organ works along with numerous pieces for the piano.

Mendelssohn’s String Octet in E Flat Major, a beautiful and intricate composition was penned when he was only 16, that in itself was genius.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjxr_WQdI6I

His violin concerto in e minor, Op. 64 is considered a staple in the instrument’s repertoire and has challenged virtuosos since 1844.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p08izmpPy0s

But the one piece, that is as popular as Patty and Mildred Hill’s melody “Good Morning to all” (also known as “Happy Birthday”) is Mendelssohn’s Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfrISwrH1H0

Happy Birthday Felix, and a big “THANK YOU” from brides everywhere.

4 comments:

BarryGillogly said...

Bravo, Felix!

Paula Slade said...

Indeed! :D

Anonymous said...

...and let's not forget that he also wrote the tune for "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". :)

Paula Slade said...

You're right, I forgot that one! :p Beautiful Christmas Carol!