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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

Jacob Ludwig Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (known as Felix Mendelssohn) was a genius, born in Germany in 1809. He was undoubtedly the composer of the day when Arthur was born. Although Felix died young in 1847 - when Arthur was only five - his music was still sung and played in Victorian drawing rooms, like the pop-music of our time. Born to Jewish parents who converted to Christianity, his experience bridged these two world faiths. 

His equally famous sister Fanny was a brilliant musician like her brother, and when she died suddenly, this and serious overwork  led to his premature death at the age of thirty-eight.

When Felix died he was the Director of the world famous Leipzig Conservatoire, which he had organised from new. Arthur won the first scholarship to this famous institution, which was an honour indeed. Felix's visits to England are almost legendary, and his love of the country and its famous bard William Shakespeare reflects in his music. Arthur's love of Mendelssohn's music remained with him throughout his life.

Felix's choral masterpiece   Elijah   was premiered in Birmingham, England in 1846. Here are some well known pieces from this wonderful work, and a few equally famous hymns and other tunes composed by this popular and hugely influential musician. What would he have achieved had he lived longer! But forget that; look at his actual achievements, and marvel at how much he influenced our Arthur Sullivan . . .

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