When you think of female classical composers, one name comes to mind: Fanny Hensel. Though overshadowed by her brother Felix, Fanny was an accomplished composer in her own right, writing chamber music and symphonies still performed today. This guide will give you all the information you need to know about this amazing woman’s life and music. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Fanny Hensel.
Who was Fanny Hensel
Fanny Hensel was a German composer born in 1805. She was the daughter of Abraham Mendelssohn, a successful banker, and Lea Salomon, a well-educated woman from a family of rabbis. Fanny and her brother Felix were raised in a musical household – their father was an amateur cellist, and their mother sang and played the piano.
The children were encouraged to study music, and Fanny quickly showed a talent for it. She began composing at the age of eleven and wrote over 400 pieces of music. Despite her obvious talent, Fanny’s parents did not encourage her to pursue a career in music.
They believed that it was not a suitable profession for a young lady, so she was never formally trained. Instead, she continued to study music privately with her brother Felix and other teachers. In 1829, she married the painter Wilhelm Hensel and had two children with him.
The Career of Fanny Hensel
Fanny Hensel’s music was largely influenced by her brother Felix. His work was highly respected, and she often felt overshadowed by his success. Nevertheless, she continued composing and performing, both privately and in public. In 1846, she founded a women’s music society called the Berliner Singakademie, which gave public concerts of her music and that of other female composers.
Fanny Hensel’s music is characterized by its lyricism and expressive melodies. She wrote mostly piano music and songs, although she also composed a handful of larger works, including a string quartet and a cantata. Her work was largely overshadowed by her brother Felix’s, but it is now beginning to receive its recognition.
Fanny and Felix: a bond like no other
Fanny and Felix were very close – they shared a passion for music and often worked together on compositions. Felix would often give his sister feedback on her work, and she would do the same for him. They both looked up to their older cousin, the composer Sebastian Bach, and often shared his music.
Fanny’s work was published under her brother’s name
Even though Fanny was a talented composer in her own right, none of her work was published under her name. Her parents believed that it was not proper for a young lady to have her work published, so Felix would often submit her pieces to publishers as his own. It was not until after her death that her work began to be published under her name.
Fanny Hensel’s music
Fanny Hensel’s music is characterized by its lyricism and emotional intensity. She was particularly skilled at writing chamber music, and her work is often compared to that of her brother Felix. Her best-known pieces include the piano trio Op. 11 and the song cycle Op. 6.
Fanny Hensel’s legacy
Though she was not as well-known as her brother Felix during her lifetime, Fanny Hensel is now recognized as a talented composer in her own right. Her work is performed regularly, and she is an inspiration to young female composers.
Why do people love Fanny Hensel’s?
Fanny Hensel’s music was popular in her lifetime, and she was praised for her beautiful melodies and expressive playing. She was a skillful composer, and both amateurs and professionals enjoyed her music. Today, her work is enjoying a resurgence in popularity as more people discover her unique voice.
If you’re looking for some beautiful, moving music, look no further than Fanny Hensel. Her work is sure to inspire and delight. So go ahead and give her a listen; you won’t be disappointed.
Reason for the Fanny Hensel’s death:
Fanny Hensel died of a stroke in 1847, at the age of 42. Her husband and two children survived her. She left behind a legacy of beautiful music that continues to inspire and delight audiences today. Besides this guide, try listening to some of her work to get a sense of her style.
