Leipzig finds two Fanny Mendelssohn portraits
mainTe Mendelssohn House has bought two portraits of the composer’s older sister, herself a prolific musician, with financial aid from the Siemens Foundation.
The pencil drawings are by Fanny’s husband, the painter Wilhelm Hensel, who was so stricken by her early death that he gave up art altogether.
Wonderful woman and remarkable composer. I recorded two CDs with her songs (Troubadisc Germany) many of which have never been published. I was actually reading many of the songs from her hand-written score, photocopies of course, but her songs are worthy of much more exposure.
We visited the Mendelssohn house in Leipzig 2 years ago and it was a terribly moving experience.
What very pleasing news. Yes, a visit to the Leipzig Mendelssohnhaus is an absolute must for anyone touring this famous city. So much to see, beautifully set out, wonderful furnishings and recitals held in the main salon. I visit it every time I am in Leipzig..
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And, of course, the Schumannhaus.