Feminine Fusion

May 14, 2017: One Life – Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel

by Diane Jones

May 8, 2017

Fanny Mendelssohn Sketch by Wilhelm Hensel

“For you, [music] can and must be only an ornament.” – Abraham Mendelssohn Bartholdy, in a letter to his daughter, Fanny

Despite her incredible talent, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s music was considered a frivolous pasttime rather than a serious endeavor.  Even today, long-forgotten manuscripts are being discovered with works either thought to be lost, or attributed to her brother Felix.  On this episode of Feminine Fusion you’ll hear her first work, and her last.

“One Life: The Music of Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel”

Six Songs, Opus 1
Lauralyn Kolb, soprano; Arlene Shrut, piano
“Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: Lieder”
Centaur 2120

Overture
Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra; JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Koch International 7169

String Quartet
Quatour Ebène
“Mendelssohn, Felix and Fanny”
Erato 4645462

Bergeslust, Op. 10, No. 5
Lauralyn Kolb, soprano; Arlene Shrut, piano
“Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: Lieder”
Centaur 2120

Felix Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 6 (Movement III – Adagio)
Colorado String Quartet
“Schubert & Mendelssohn”
Parnassus 96024

Run time: 58:30

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire. Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.