Felix Mendelssohn

February 3, 1809 – November 4, 1847

Composer

Revived Bach's sacred masterworks and composed the oratorio Elijah

Biography

German composer, pianist, and conductor of the early Romantic period. Known for his symphonies, concertos, and oratorios including 'Elijah.'

Faith & Testimony

Raised in a Jewish family that converted to Christianity, Mendelssohn was a devout Lutheran. His oratorio 'Elijah' and symphony 'Reformation' reflect his deep Christian faith. He also revived interest in Bach's sacred works.

Sources

Felix Mendelssohn — Wikipedia — Biography including his Christian faith and sacred compositions
Elijah (Mendelssohn) — Wikipedia — His major biblical oratorio
Mendelssohn's Sacred Music and Lutheran Faith — Overview of Mendelssohn's deeply Lutheran sacred works including the oratorio 'Elijah', the 'Reformation' Symphony, and his revival of Bach's St Matthew Passion
Felix Mendelssohn: A Life in Music — R. Larry Todd — Major biography covering Mendelssohn's Christian faith after his family's conversion from Judaism — his sacred works reflect genuine devotion, not mere convention