Episode Overview

In this episode of the Piano Pedagogy Podcast, host Jacqueline Beckoff sits down with Molly McCann, the founder of Hensel Pushers, to delve into the life and music of Fanny Hensel. They explore the historical context of Hensel's work, the challenges she faced as a woman composer in the 19th century, and the ongoing efforts to bring her music to wider recognition.

Jacqueline and Molly discuss Hensel's most notable compositions, including "Das Jahr," an hour-long piano cycle representing the months of the year. They also examine the complex relationship between Fanny and her brother, Felix Mendelssohn, and the ways in which their musical legacies have been intertwined.

Additionally, they discuss the responsibility of music educators to present a more inclusive view of classical music and the importance of understanding historical context when studying the works of female composers. Join Jacqueline and Molly for a fascinating exploration of Fanny Hensel's life, her extraordinary music, and the importance of recognizing her contributions to the world of classical music.

Listen on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcasting app.

Episode Notes

During the episode, Jacqueline and Molly referenced several resources. You can find them at these links. If you purchase products using links, Defined Music Teacher may receive a portion of the proceeds.

HenselPushers Arrangements (Easy Das Jahr PDF, 4-hands Das Jahr)
Fanny Hensel: The Other Mendelssohn (R. Larry Todd)
Women Composers in History: 18 Intermediate to Late Intermediate Piano Pieces by 8 Composers (Gail Smith)

About the Guest

Molly McCann runs www.henselpushers.org, a website dedicated to making Fanny Hensel's music accessible to performers, scholars, and music lovers. It provides free, high-quality PDFs of Hensel's compositions, including solo piano works, lieder, chamber music, and more. Hensel Pushers also offers arrangements of Hensel's music for intermediate piano students.

Fanny Hensel: A Composer in Her Own Right

Who Was Fanny Hensel?

• Born Fanny Mendelssohn in 1805, she was a German composer and pianist.
• Despite her talent and passion for music, she faced significant obstacles due to societal expectations of women in the 19th century.
• Her compositions include solo piano works, lieder (art songs), chamber music, and choral pieces.

Hensel Pushers: Making Hensel's Music Accessible

• Molly McCann founded Hensel Pushers (henselpushers.org) to provide free, high-quality PDFs of Hensel's music.
• Many of Hensel's manuscripts are difficult to read, so Hensel Pushers provides accessible editions for performers and scholars.
• The website also offers arrangements of Hensel's music for different instruments and skill levels, further expanding access to her work.

Exploring Fanny's Music

Das Jahr

• An hour-long piano cycle representing the months of the year, considered her most ambitious and significant work.
• Consists of 12 character pieces, each capturing the essence of a particular month.
• The cycle is notable for its interconnectedness, with themes and motifs recurring throughout the work.
• Jacqueline and Molly discuss the expressive depth and masterful storytelling present in "Das Jahr," highlighting its significance as a major work of Romantic piano literature.

Other Notable Works

• Lieder (art songs): Hensel wrote over 250 lieder, showcasing her lyrical and expressive style.
• Piano works: Her solo piano compositions range from introspective character pieces to virtuosic showpieces.
• Chamber music: She composed a string quartet, piano trio, and other chamber works that demonstrate her mastery of counterpoint and form.

The Mendelssohn Legacy

Fanny and Felix

• The siblings had a complex relationship, marked by both collaboration and the constraints of societal expectations.
• Felix achieved greater fame during their lifetime, while Fanny's music was largely confined to the domestic sphere.
• The episode explores the ways in which their musical styles influenced each other and the challenges Fanny faced in establishing her own musical identity.

Reclaiming Fanny Hensel's Place in Music History

• The episode discusses the importance of recognizing Fanny Hensel's contributions to classical music and moving beyond a narrow, male-dominated view of the canon.
• The work of Hensel Pushers and other scholars is crucial in bringing Hensel's music to a wider audience and ensuring that her legacy is preserved.

The Responsibility of Music Educators

Challenging the Classical Canon

• Jacqueline and Molly emphasize the importance of including music by women and other underrepresented composers in music education.
• They discuss the "cycle of exclusion" that can occur when students are only exposed to a limited range of composers.
• By diversifying the repertoire, teachers can create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment.

Understanding Historical Context

• The episode highlights the importance of understanding the historical context in which female composers like Fanny Hensel worked.
• Recognizing the societal constraints and limitations they faced can provide a deeper appreciation for their achievements and resilience.
• Teaching students about these historical challenges can foster critical thinking and a more nuanced understanding of music history.

Episode Recap

This episode of the Piano Pedagogy Podcast offers a rich exploration of Fanny Hensel's life and music. Jacqueline and Molly's conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by women composers in the 19th century and the ongoing efforts to reclaim their place in music history. By making Hensel's music more accessible and promoting its study and performance, we can ensure that her extraordinary contributions are recognized and celebrated. Furthermore, the episode underscores the crucial role music educators play in challenging the traditional canon and fostering a more inclusive and historically informed understanding of classical music.

Join Jacqueline next time for more valuable insights and expert advice on all things music education. Share your thoughts and experiences with Fanny Hensel's music on the Defined Music Teacher Facebook page.

If you'd like to learn more about Fanny Hensel, check out this movie directed by her great-great-great granddaughter!