Felix Mendelssohn, child prodigy

It is the birthday of German composer Felix Mendelssohn (1809), who was a child prodigy. He began piano lessons at age 6.  He was influenced by Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. He wrote music at least from the age of 12. The Overture A Midsummer Night's Dream (1826) was written when he was 17. Mendelssohn was a contemporary of Liszt, Wagner and Berlioz. He was a prolific composer, writing chamber music, piano music, concertos, operas, and symphonies. He also served as a conductor, pianist, organist and teacher.