A Piano Cycle. Facsimile of the illustrated fair copy

Instrumentation: Piano
Edition: Facsimile of the illustrated fair copy with illustrations by Wilhelm Hensel
Item no.: fue 8920
ISBN: 978-3-927327-44-3

Facsimile edition of the illustrated fair copy together with the Mendelssohn-Archiv of the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin Preußischer Kulturbesitz.

In addition to vignettes and an extraordinarily beautiful notation there is a short poetic introduction to each month’s piece. This romantic "multi-media" work of art made by Fanny and Wilhelm Hensel will appeal not only to lovers of graphic beauty or people feeling at home in the 19th century. It will also be a useful source of inspiration and an interpretation aid for pianists.
“…. It delights the eye… All libraries should own it ...” (Notes, December 2004)

From the Prefaces
"The ‘case’ of The Year is something very special and at the same time characteris-tic: something special within Fanny Hensel’s catalogue of works, and something characteristic as regards the role that mere chance plays for the loss and conserva-tion of women’s works. So far, the reception the cycle received has also been characteristic. Now, with the facsimile edition of the fair copy, we can be sure about Fanny Hensel’s intention as to the interpretation of the individual pieces, without having to look any further for ‘open’ or ‘hidden’ programs." (B. Borchard)
"The unique aesthetic design which Fanny and Wilhelm Hensel gave their fair copy of the piano cycle The Year, makes us suddenly aware how rigorously our usual note editions are confined to the presentation of the mere note text. … The fair copy is a small, private and unique work integrating various art forms in one book, though its main focus is unmistakably music, the character piece, the song without words. Perhaps the combination of music, vignettes, lyric epigraphs and colourful paper has such a charming effect because it allows for a ‘multi-media’ perception that is appropriate to the genre of the lyric piano piece, that comple-ments this small chamber-music form in an unpretentious manner and ‘clings’ elegantly to it (not only in the literal sense as depicted in the illustrations)." (Christian Thorau)

"In the early Romantic era, I think the best keyboard works are "Das Jahr (1841) by Fanny Mendelssohn (1805-47)". This is a kind of musical diary of her Italian tour of 1839-40, with each piece describing an experience from each month. If the question of originality in women's music comes up, I think this work knocks it on the head — who else has written a cycle which features the 12 months in this way? They also illustrate what a tremendous pianist she was, as well as a great composer. I know I am biased, but I find her music more exciting than Felix's." Diana Ambache in Harpsichord & fortepiano, autumn 2011

"The fair copy provides an enlightening view into early 19th century Romanticism, illustrated as it is by the composer's artist husband, Wilhelm Hensel. Most of the illustrations portray partially formed drooping figures, conjuring up a languid, yearning atmosphere. A short verse also appears before each piece, generally expressing feelings of mystery and longing, such as the verse for May: "Now blooms the most distant, deep valley." Additionally, the fair copy was written on varied pastel-coloured paper, an enchanting feature retained in the facsimile." Carol lei Breckenridge in Harpsichord & fortepiano, autumn 2011