What were the opinions of Fanny Mendelssohn's father and brother on her musical abilities?
Fanny Mendelssohn's father appreciated her talent but felt she lacked depth and emotion in her music, while her brother highly regarded her musical abilities.
Fanny Mendelssohn's Musical Talent Recognized
Fanny Mendelssohn was a talented composer and pianist whose musical abilities were recognized by her family. However, her pursuit of a professional career in music faced some challenges due to societal norms of the era.
Fanny's father had a more critical view of her musical abilities. While he appreciated her talent and skill in music, he believed that she did not convey true depth and emotion in her compositions. He expressed his opinion in a letter to her, mentioning that for her, music should only be an ornament rather than a profession, unlike her brother Felix.
On the other hand, Felix Mendelssohn, Fanny's brother, highly esteemed her musical talents. He had a deep admiration for her skills as a composer and pianist. Despite the societal barriers that women in music faced during that time, Felix valued Fanny's abilities and saw her as an equal in the musical realm.
In conclusion, Fanny Mendelssohn's musical abilities were acknowledged by her family, but there were differing opinions regarding the depth and emotion in her music. While her father viewed it as lacking, her brother celebrated her talent and valued her contributions to the musical world.