Sarah Rothenberg - Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel: Das Jahr

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Memorable for its grace, spirit, and moody inspiration, "Das Jahr" (The Year), composed by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel (1805-47), older sister of famous and felicitous Felix, and played quite lovingly by pianist Sarah Rothenberg adds an undeniably attractive, and beautifully recorded work to the rather paltry catalogue of her available compositions.

Unlike Tchaikovsky's popular January-to-December cycle, deceptively titled "The Seasons," Fanny's "Das Jahr" draws primarily and emotionally on her six-month sojourn in Rome (December, 1839-May, 1840), rather the highest point in her life, and the inner turmoil she felt, at age 35, returning home to the realities of her thwarted musical career in Berlin.

Composed in the latter half of 1841, "Das Jahr" is a series of thirteen pieces that forms, ultimately, a psychological diary of monthly "observations," ruminations and introspections, and short-lived jubilations and enthusiasms, all touched by a quite palpable, heartfelt regret that weaves its way, ominously, throughout. Even the closing Postlude of "Das Jahr," reveals a resignation that Fanny, inevitably, cannot disguise. It touches us. What must it have been like living in the shadow of younger brother, Felix, and as a woman aspiring to compose, publish--- and be acknowledged for all four? Add to this the fact that "Das Jahr" first saw ink in 1989, nearly one and a half centuries after Fanny's sudden death in 1847, and I think we see perfectly.

The Notturno (1838) and Abschied (1840), both gorgeously lyrical pieces, underscore our understanding of Fanny as a woman of unrecognized talent and invention--- who, herself, knew this was the case.

[Running time: 60:48] February 5, 2003

More reviews at Amazon.com ...