10. Felix Mendelssohn was not only a skilled composer, he also painted, with his travels inspiring both his music and his art.
Felix Mendelssohn was one of the greatest composers of the Early Romantic period. The German wrote a number of operas, symphonies and concertos, many of which continue to be performed all over the world. However, Mendelssohn was much more than just a musical genius. He was an all-round man of culture, excelling in a number of fields. As a young boy, he mastered several languages, including ancient Greek, plus he learned how to play chess at a high level. What’s more, the Hamburg native was also an accomplished artist, earning himself a reputation for his skill as a draftsman and for his watercolors.
Mendelssohn liked to paint and draw as he traveled through Europe. For example, he made dozens of sketches during his famous trip to Scotland – a trip which also inspired one of his most famous musical works, The Scottish Symphony. Mostly, Mendelssohn drew or painted landscapes. However, he also made detailed sketches of bridges and other engineering feats, complete with notes and other informed observations. Many of his drawings and paintings are now displayed in galleries around the world, with Mendelssohn’s reputation having soared after being overlooked and neglected for reasons of anti-Semitism for large parts of the late-19th and early-20th centuries.