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Prodigiously gifted German Romantic composer (1809–1847) whose musical output represents virtually every form and genre of the era. ALS in German, one page both sides, 5.5 x 9.25, September 28, 1836. Addressed from Leipzig, a handwritten letter to an unidentified young composer, who evidently sent Mendelssohn some of his compositions for review. The composer graciously discusses each work, especially the songs that he generally finds to be quite “singable and smooth flowing.” Mendelssohn offers advice on how several may be improved, especially those based upon Goethe's poems, and notes that he feels that the song entitled Rondo is particularly fine. In reply to his correspondent's question to whether or not his musical attempts are futile, Mendelssohn writes: “From the nature of your compositions it would seem to me that you experience enjoyment and satisfaction in the very process of creation, and this…is finally the decisive thing for any artist and in any art. I believe that the specialists, the critics and the wider public are now and have always been mistaken, that is their trade – but this inner feeling of satisfaction is the truth and certainly will not be mistaken…The only true and real enjoyment which art provides.” For that reason, Mendelssohn thinks that his own “favorable judgment may be agreeable to you,” but that it can really be second only to his correspondent's judgment about his own work. In very good to fine condition, with silking to the front, and a small chip to the bottom edge, slightly impinging on the signature.
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