Felix stole Fanny's Idea!!! Fanny Mendelssohn: Prelude and Fugue in E minor

[@andrewshears2077]

In college, long ago, I took a course, Women in Music, which aimed to reveal the uncredited influences and contributions of women throughout the history of Western Classical Music. Fanny was much discussed, but we did surprisingly little exploration of her actual music. Thank for this deeper look.

[@TheIndependentPianist]

Your most welcome. Thank you so much for watching the channel.

[@pauchalo]

I just happen to LOVE Felix's E minor P&F so I instantly watched this fantastic video. Thanks a lot for your insight and wonderful playing. Just subscribed!! :)

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

what a wonderful piece

[@Eeeehhhsoudesuka]

What a great piece! I was equally stunned to hear Czerny's op 856 set of 48 preludes and fugues dedicated to Liszt. Fugues can be quite the rollercoasters, in a good way. I would love to have the technique to be able to tackle some good fugues like the one you've recorded here. Alas, I am afraid of them all.

[@grahamtwist]

I really enjoyed your illuminating insights into the art of the fugue, Cole (and, sadly, I'm all to familiar with 'faux' fugues, which fortunately are not quite as elusive when being composed in comparison with the genuine article, with its requirement for strict adherence to the rules of counterpoint!). Bravo to you for making available this fabulous recording of Fanny's 'Prelude and Fugue in E minor'. I think it's beautifully crafted music and such a sophisticated fusion of the baroque and romantic influences that shaped its creation. It is tragic that poor Fanny was a victim of both her gender and class, for while she longed to forge a career as a full-time musician, she was limited by the traditions of the time in which she lived. The societal constraints were too many and making music was not a profession anybody associated with women, not even her own family. Her father wrote a letter to her in 1820 and talked about her ‘impossible aspirations’, adding that her brother might become a professional musician, but she must consider music only as her ‘ornament’ and not the means of living! It's hardly surprising that on one occasion she was a little more honest about her predicament than was usually the case: “It must be a sign of talent that I do not give up, though I can get nobody to take an interest in my efforts”. A kind time-traveller might like to visit her and convey this comforting news - namely, she is celebrated today as one of the greatest European pianists and composers from the early romantic era. She may have died far too young aged just 41 in 1847 following a stroke, but her work and life still resonate with contemporary men and women classical musicians.

[@TheIndependentPianist]

It is always tragic reading about the situation that these women of great artistic gifts faced in that time and place. Luckily, Fanny did let it deter her, and we have a rich treasure trove of music to explore. The other movements of this suite are equally great as the first two and I am so excited to share them! (Also I should add, that I quite like the "faux" fugues that I listed, as well as your own wonderful essay in that direction!)

[@SpaghettiToaster]

@@TheIndependentPianist I always felt that the fake-out of the fugue in the Wanderer fantasy is the biggest letdown in all of classical music lol. I can't help but pause the music and continue the fugue in my head at that point when listening to it.

[@zakzaki9542]

could you do a video on marc andre hamelin

[@TheIndependentPianist]

Well, it's a good idea-I've just tended to avoid too much criticism of living pianists. Still, it would be interesting, so I'll keep it in mind. Thanks!

[@jayeyemmmful]

Hello, well this is wonderful background info regarding the works of famous composers…I was looking to see if we can follow your channel, but don’t see an option ? Or has KZbin changed their format ? Also, it would be so great if we had your first name when we’re making comments…to feel more like we’re talking to you… which I am :) Thank You ! :)

[@jack4865]

I want to thank you for this video, very clear, and very enjoyable! This is truly a gem, wonderful performances too. Keep up the good work!

[@TheIndependentPianist]

Thank you so much!

[@kevinmcelhaney8066]

Thank you for introducing me to this piece. I’m wondering if you considered playing a Picardy third on the final chord. I think I would work well!

[@TheIndependentPianist]

It did occur to me-but I personally like the tragic ending on minor!

[@joanneswets.]

Many thanks for your interesting explanation of fugue techniques, that is very instructive! My compliments on your lively performance, I enjoy it. I think your acceleration in the coda is fantastic, very well executed! I'm already looking forward to the next parts of this suite...! Or rather, I think your whole structure of the piece is very commendable and played convincingly!!!

[@TheIndependentPianist]

Thanks Joanne, always a pleasure to read your thoughts!

[@leonardbernstein2285]

Great!! Speaking of neo baroque suites, would you tackle Le Tombeau de Couperin at some point?

[@TheIndependentPianist]

Yes, be glad to!

[@johnrock2173]

Great exploration and performance of such a deep piece. You really came from the inside out. Just watched an interesting film about pianist Kyra Steckeweh researching and playing pieces by Fanny Mendelssohn, Lili Boulanger and Mel Bonis called Women Composers that gives some background to Fanny Mendelssohn, not only to her work as a composer but to her ongoing weekly concerts she put on where many musicians of the day came and played. Thank you for the ongoing great education!

[@TheIndependentPianist]

Fascinating, thanks!

[@popadopalis4480]

What are your thoughts in doing videos on the works of Scriabin or Faure?

[@jdbrown371]

There are some similarities in this E minor prelude and fugue with the Duetto in a minor by Bach and the f minor Sinfonia. It's really nice to play something that isn't played by too many people. I like some of the things you're doing with this piece. Faux fugues rock. I look forward to printing the score and playing it.

[@benlizon]

i get an emotional connection to a moment in the second movement of beethoven’s op. 109, perhaps it’s not motivic but i can’t help but hear it. especially in the prelude and the rhythmic idea that binds everything together. it helps that they’re in the same key as well

[@TheIndependentPianist]

Very interesting-I'm sure she knew the piece well.

[@Felix_Li_En]

Beautiful work! By the way, I only know one recording by Joanne Polk, quite fascinating, too! ☺️

[@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

A similar 'faux fugue', I believe, may be found in the third movement of Felix Mendelssohn's piano sonata op.6. This one is free of rhythm as well!

[@feinberg4625]

Lol, I just so happen to be playing the f minor prelude and fugue from her brother's set. It's a shame the pieces aren't better known.

[@TheIndependentPianist]

I completely agree with you. Counterpoint is a little less of a popular choice perhaps, but these pieces are exceptionally effective if pulled off well.

[@danhorn412]

I have always felt Fanny is…and has been unjustly neglected. Thank you for helping her cause.

[@marcorval]

Just saw your channel and it's really interesting! Are you interested in doing a video on Czerny? I think he needs more recognition beyond his pedagogical materials.

[@TheIndependentPianist]

I might be interested in doing something on Czerny, particularly his early A-flat major Piano Sonata. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@marcorval]

@@TheIndependentPianist thanks! Excited for it...

[@chopin65]

That is what artists do. They steal something and make it their own. There is no need for slander.

[@TheIndependentPianist]

I hate to break it to you, but it was supposed to be taken with some humor! Which you would know if you watched my video. These two shared all their ideas, so obviously it’s not literal “theft.”