20), which wasn't just impressive because its composer's age of only sixteen, but because it featured an ingenious interplay between two distinct string quartets which was relatively unheard of at this time .
From 1826 to 1829, Mendelssohn studied at Berlin University. During the years that followed, Mendelssohn travelled and performed all over Europe, discovering England, Scotland, Italy and France. His talent as a conductor was reflected early in 1829 when he directed a pioneering performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in Berlin, promoting the modern development of Bach's music. In 1832, Mendelssohn presented his magnificent Hebrides Overture, as well as other important compositions, in London, a city where he greatly enjoyed performing his works. In 1833, he took on the post of conductor at Dusseldorf, where he concentrated on Handel's oratorios and performed concerts including Handel's Messiah. That same year, he composed many of his own vocal works, including Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us, and the Opera, Trala. A frischer Bua bin I. At the age of 26, Mendelssohn moved to Leipzig and became conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, performing works by Bach and Beethoven, Weber, Schumann, and Berlioz. Among the major compositions were The Hebrides (first performed in London, 1832), the G Minor Piano Concerto, Die erste Walpurgisnacht, The Italian Symphony (1833, London) and St. Paul (1836, Dusseldorf). Shortly after this he founded and directed the Leipzig Conservatory (1843). .
Felix Mendelssohn was very close to his family, from his sister Fanny to his father, to his own wife and children. His father died in 1835 and seven years later his mother died adding to the tragedy. But worse was to follow when his sister Fanny suffered a stroke while rehearsing for a Sunday concert. She died on May 14th, 1847. Felix Mendelssohn is said to have screamed and fainted upon hearing the sad news, devastated by the loss.
