German composer, pianist, musical conductor, and teacher, Mendelssohn was one of the most celebrated figures of the early Romantic period. He largely observed Classical models and practices while initiating key aspects of Romanticism - the movement that exalted feeling and the imagination above rigid forms and traditions.

Mendelssohn’s gifts were phenomenal. He was a good painter, had wide literary knowledge, and wrote brilliantly. He was a superb pianist, a good violinist, an exceptional organist, and an inspiring conductor. He had an amazing musical memory. He was generous to other musicians, and keen to raise standards of popular taste.

Among his most famous works are Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream (1826), Italian Symphony (1833), a violin concerto (1844), two piano concerti (1831, 1837), the oratorio Elijah (1846), and several pieces of chamber music. He was a grandson of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn.