mendelssohn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, musical
Quick answer
What does “mendelssohn” mean?
A German surname, most famously associated with the 19th-century composer Felix Mendelssohn, whose full name was Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A German surname, most famously associated with the 19th-century composer Felix Mendelssohn, whose full name was Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
Refers to the composer, his works, or his family lineage; may also refer to institutions, awards, or entities named after him.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; both refer to the composer and his works.
Connotations
Associated with refined, lyrical, and structurally precise classical music.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, appearing mainly in specialised contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mendelssohn” in a Sentence
The [work] by MendelssohnMendelssohn's [composition]a style reminiscent of MendelssohnVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mendelssohn” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The piece had a distinctly Mendelssohnian clarity.
American English
- The melody is very Mendelssohn-like in its lyricism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
In musicology, Mendelssohn is studied for his contributions to Romanticism and the revival of Bach's music.
Everyday
I really enjoy listening to Mendelssohn's 'Scottish' Symphony.
Technical
Mendelssohn's use of sonata form in his 'Italian' Symphony demonstrates classical influences within a Romantic framework.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mendelssohn”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mendelssohn”
- Misspelling as 'Mendelson' or 'Mendelshon'
- Incorrectly referring to him as 'Mendelssohn' without 'Felix' in contexts where ambiguity is possible.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
He is a major Romantic composer known for works like the 'Violin Concerto in E minor', the 'Italian' and 'Scottish' Symphonies, and the 'Wedding March' from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
Yes, like Mozart, he was a prodigy, composing and performing publicly from a very young age.
It is pronounced /ˈmɛndəlsən/. The 'h' is silent.
A German surname, most famously associated with the 19th-century composer Felix Mendelssohn, whose full name was Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
Mendelssohn is usually formal, academic, musical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MEND your ELS with a SOHN(g) - think of mending a broken chord (els) with a song by the composer's son (sohn).
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRIDGE BETWEEN ERAS: Mendelssohn is often conceptualized as a link between the Classical and Romantic periods.
Practice
Quiz
Mendelssohn's 'Hebrides Overture' is also commonly known as: