Das Verborgene Band: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Und Seine Schwester Fanny Hensel

The close relationship between Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and his older sister Fanny is one of the more intriguing sibling relationships of the 19th century. Their childhood was shaped by their exposure to music: they enjoyed piano lessons, instruction in composition from the well-known Zelter, participation in his evening choir performances, as well as Sunday performance sessions in their parent's home. First tensions between the siblings arose during Felix's first major trip to England in 1829, and they were to occur over and over again in years to come. However, they always found themselves again through music. The strong bond between them was evidenced by Felix's complete collapse upon hearing of his sister's death; he himself died only six months later. For the first time, primary sources providing evidence of the relationship between the siblings are made available. German text.