Letters written by composer Mendelssohn saved for posterity at Aberystwyth
Letters written by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), best known for his Wedding March score and still the most frequently used music to wedding ceremonies today, were recently conserved and are now accessible to future generations for study and research at Aberystwyth University. The documents, bequeathed to the University over a century ago through the generosity of Sir Hugh Owen and George Powell (of Nanteos 1842-1882), include 17 letters and also two supposed autograph overture scores by the German Romantic composer, pianist and conductor. Mendelssohn made his first public debut at the age of nine in Hamburg, Germany, and from the age of 11, he composed a huge quantity of piano and chamber music, choral works, as well as five symphonies. He composed music for William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and another well-known piece is the Hebrides Overture. Bill Hines, Information Services Departmental Fellow, explains, “The letters are in French and German and are address...