On November 12, Professor R. Larry Todd and alumna Angela Mace will be in New York to attend the American premiere of a new documentary about Fanny Hensel (1805-1847). The talented sister of Felix Mendelssohn, Hensel's musical compositions were largely overlooked during her lifetime. Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn uncovers the story of Hensel's contributions, restoring the composer to her rightful place in the 19th century Western musical canon.
Todd and Mace participated in the making of the documentary and are featured in it, along with other scholars and performers who are bringing Hensel's compositions to light. Todd is recognized as the foremost scholar of the Mendelssohn family. His definitive biographies include Mendelssohn: A Life in Music (OUP, 2005) and Fanny Hensel, the Other Mendelssohn (OUP, 2009). While in graduate school at Duke, Mace traveled to Paris to authenticate the autograph manuscript of Hensel’s Ostersonate (Easter Sonata), which had been previously attributed to Felix. Her exciting discovery contributed to the current reassessment of Hensel's life and work.
Released by Mercury Studios in London, Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn will have already been seen in 100 theaters in the U.K. before its screening at the DOC NYC Festival on November 12 and 13. After the screenings, Todd and Mace will take part a Q&A with film writer/director Sheila Hayman, a descendent of Felix Mendelssohn who has been investigating her family's complicated musical history for many years.
For those unable to see the documentary in New York, DOC NYC is offering a two-week streaming period online, from November 13-26. Tickets to view the documentary online are $13.
Department of Music
