This Women’s History Month, musicologist Marie Rolf relates the story of an extraordinary discovery of a long-lost piano sonata by Fanny Hensel, the older sister of Felix Mendelssohn. Herself a brilliant composer and accomplished pianist, Fanny was discouraged from publishing her work and forbidden to perform in public during her all-too-brief lifetime. Until the manuscript of the Easter Sonata surfaced, many scholars were unsure if it was written by her or by her famous brother. Concert pianist Lydia Artymiw will perform Fanny's Easter Sonata, based on Rolf's recently published critical edition. Her performance will be followed by a feature documentary film that centers on this major work and reveals Fanny as a remarkable composer in her own right. Just as remarkable is the film's director, Sheila Hayman, who happens to be the great-great-great-granddaughter of Fanny and will be available for a brief Q&A with the audience.
The manuscript of the Easter Sonata, in the Robert Owen Lehman Collection on deposit at the Morgan Library & Museum, will be on display.
This film is not rated but has been deemed appropriate for ages 13 and up. This program takes place in Gilder Lehrman Hall on the Ground Floor. Doors to the Hall will open 30 minutes before the program begins. Seating is general admission.
Please e-mail public_programs@themorgan.org with questions about accessibility.
Lydia Artymiw
Marie Rolf
Sheila Hayman
Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn