The Soul of the Journey

Brother and sister Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn enjoyed a rare bond: they were intimate companions and theirs was one of the most significant musical relationships of the 19th century. They shared and commented on each others compositions, each highly appreciative of the other but also offering frank, critical advice. Their travels produced some great music Felixs best loved works, the Hebrides Overture and the Scottish Symphony, were inspired by his 1829 visit to Scotland, whilst Fannys innovative piano cycle Das Jahr was a musical response to the tour of Italy she made in 183940. Combining letters and sketches with an accompanying narrative describing their journeys, this is a wonderful celebration of the two Mendelssohns and a portrait of Scotland and Italy of the time as seen through the eyes of two of the Romantic movements most acclaimed composers.