Gifted Sister: The Story of Fanny Mendelssohn (Classical Composers)

Shichtman, Sandra H.; Indenbaum, Dorothy

3.57

7 ratings by Goodreads

9781599350387: Gifted Sister: The Story of Fanny Mendelssohn (Classical Composers)

ISBN 10: 1599350386 ISBN 13: 9781599350387

Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Pub, 2007

Two musically gifted siblings grew up in the Mendelssohn home in Hamburg, Germany, in the early years of the nineteenth century. One was a son, Felix Mendelssohn, who went on to become one of the most admired classical music composers of the day. The other talented Mendelssohn child was Felix’s sister, Fanny, who was denied the opportunity to have a musical career because of the social and family restrictions that limited a woman's freedom during that era. Today, however, the compositions of Fanny Mendelssohn are finally receiving the attention they deserve, and this new biography for young readers will introduce this long neglected artist to a new generation.

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About the Author:

Sandra H. Shichtman is a former teacher and editor. Dorothy Indenbaum, Ph.D., is a pianist, musicologist and lecturer. This is their first book for Morgan Reynolds.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7–9—Felix Mendelssohn's older, musically talented sister, Fanny, is recounted here as one of her brother's most ardent consorts. Her privileged upbringing, with music lessons and recitals side by side with her brother, soon recedes to the background as her young adult years focus on a suitable husband, marriage, and childrearing. As was the custom of the period, Fanny's musical education was not permitted to flourish into a composer's and musician's profession. Through letters and correspondence with Felix, readers see the woman living her dream through her brother's success as he traveled, performed, and composed. She also moved within the circles of upcoming and well-established musicians of the day, such as Mozart and Bach, and managed to compose several pieces that are gaining respect today. This well-documented biographical account incorporates historical aspects of Germany's politics and makes reference to the family's Jewish background despite their conversion to Christianity to avoid the prejudicial backlash of anti-Semitism. The dry, often stagnant text is interspersed with numerous color and black-and-white reproductions of paintings and drawings on display at museums and libraries around the world. An unexciting yet informative biography of an esteemed woman and her overlooked work and potential.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI
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