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  • MS. M. Deneke Mendelssohn c. 101
    Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford     Order image

Mendelssohn, Schilflied

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Felix Mendelssohn

1842

Watercolour

In Schilflied Mendelssohn sets to music lines by Nikolaus Lenau. The opening words, translated as ‘On the lake’s unruffled surface rests the moon’s fair beam’, are echoed in a watercolour by the composer, which drapes itself round the first bar of the score. Eventually included in the last set of Lieder Mendelssohn prepared for publication, the illustrated composition is a presentation copy prepared in Frankfurt in March 1845 for Henriette Keyl, the wife of a local wine merchant.

Excerpt from Mendelssohn’s Schilflied performed by Sophie Daneman (soprano) and Eugene Asti (piano). Reproduced by courtesy of Hyperion Records Ltd.

Comments

What makes this a treasure?

Four treasures in one! How could one wish for more? First the unforgetable beautifull music. Although highly romantic, it is never sentimental, or over the top. A perfect musical image of what is said in, second treasure, a wonderfull poem. Quiet joy and quiet despair experienced by the poet sitting at a lake by night. Then there is the third treasure, the score. Irresitable is the wonder of the frozen music on paper. And the last treasure, the watercolour by Mendelssohn himself. A musical genius and an accomplished watercolourist. Congratiulations Bodlean with this unique object!

Posted by Guus Peek

On 30/08/2012

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