Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: Encouraged or Discouraged in Pursuing a Musical Career?

Was Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel encouraged by her family to pursue a musical career?

A. True

B. False

Answer:

The correct answer is: B. False

It is false that Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel was encouraged by her family to pursue a musical career. In reality, her family discouraged her from seeking professional recognition in the music industry.

Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, the sister of the renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn, faced significant challenges in her music career due to the gender norms of her time. Despite her exceptional talent as a musician and composer, her family, particularly her father and brother, believed that a musical career was not suitable for a woman of her stature. They actively discouraged her from publishing her work and attaining professional acknowledgment.

Despite the obstacles she encountered, Mendelssohn Hensel composed over 460 pieces of music. Unfortunately, most of her compositions were published posthumously or attributed to her brother instead of herself.