The composer

The older sister of Felix by just over three years, Fanny Mendelssohn’s own career fell victim of her living in an age that regarded women composers with suspicion – even her brother, while largely supportive, showed some scepticism over whether she should publish works under her own name. Fanny composed over 450 pieces in total, many of which featured the piano, of which she herself was a very accomplished player. Married to the artist Wilhelm Hensel, who encouraged her musical activities, she died of a stroke in 1847, aged just 41. Within just six months, her heartbroken brother was also dead.