Fanny Mendelssohn Influence On Women

Women have had many struggles accomplishing anything other than serving their husbands by cleaning house and having children. If a woman desired to pursue anything other than that, it was extremely difficult because through out time society has told them that they are incapable. As Tillard states in her book Fanny Mendelssohn, “Their lack of musical achievement was proof of their biological inferiority.” (Page 9) This notion was held as a true belief for all artistic talents of women. Up until the late 20th century when women were starting to be a little more respected, what would make it possible for a woman to accomplish something in the artistic world? Since men have had a huge impact on the arts, a woman must have been supported by some male figure or figures. Exploring the female composer Fanny Mendelssohn of the 19th century, and the female author Virginia Woolf of the early 20th century,

we notice one significant thing in common with these two women. Influential men in their lives supported them both, and had they not been, we might not recognize their names today.
Fanny Mendelssohn had so much support from the men in her family. Fanny and her brother Felix Mendelssohn were discovered by their father Abraham at a very young age. Abraham and his wife hired the best music teacher in their area to teach the two young musicians. It was believed by everyone who knew their playing that the two were “equally gifted”. (Tillard, Page 13) Abraham was supportive of their playing, but he did not wish them to pursue music as a career. At the age of 12, Felix was invited to travel with their music theory teacher Karl Zelter. Fanny was not. Even though this hurt her, in the Introduction of Tillard’s book Fanny Mendelssohn, she states, “Fanny never let herself be turned away from music.” (Page 13) Despite the knowledge from her teacher and Father of her talents, Fanny was not treated the same as her brother which took a toll on her. We do not know for certain how hurt she was, but one can only imagine.
Fanny’s brother Felix was the most influential man in her life. They were very close to one another. They shared their music with and provided feedback to each other’s work. Fanny brought all of her works to Felix and he did the same. They wrote to each other all the time. Even on Fanny’s wedding day, she made time to write to him right before the ceremony. In a letter Fanny wrote to Felix in February of 1838, she writes, “I want you to know how sensitive I am about having done so poorly in the execution of your task.” (Page 305, Letter 104) Because Felix was so influential in her life, when he did not push her to publish her work, it made her hesitant. He did completely support her and would have if she had chosen to publish, which she eventually did, but because he did not show any signs of motivation, it caused a lack of self-confidence in Fanny. Along with that and her Father’s lack of support, Fanny seemed to step back a bit and not have complete confidence in herself. At first she did publish under Felix’s name, and he was very open about giving credit to Fanny. This seemed like his way of supporting her publishing in a very hidden sort of way. Do not be mistaken. Felix was completely supportive of all her works and endeavors, but his lack of enthusiasm was a possible hindrance for Fanny.
The one man who supported everything about Fanny and her music was her Husband Wilhelm Hensel. Wilhelm made sure that she had a place to compose. In the book Hidden Music, Fanny is quoted expressing “My husband has given me the duty of going to the piano every morning immediately after breakfast because interruptions occur later on.” (Kamen, Page 35) Fanny was invested in her family and domestic roles as a wife, but her happiness is debatable. In terms of her publishing, Wilhelm was completely supportive and often questioned why she did not do it, until of course when she did.
Fanny Mendelssohn’s life was greatly influenced by the men in her family.

She was supported, and pushed by her husband, she had her brother Felix who supported her and was honest when giving her advice about her pieces, and she had her father who allowed her to play and provided lessons in the first place. If it wasn’t for her father and mothers support, she would not have had the proper teachings. If it wasn’t for her brother support, she would not have had the motivation to keep going after her father disapproved of her pursuing music as a career. Finally, if it wasn’t for the support from her husband, she would not have been able to continue her music after she married. Saying all of these things now sounds ridiculous, but for so long women were unable to do anything but keep house and have children, unless they had the support from a man. Traveling to the early 20th century, Virginia Woolf had a similar experience with the men in her family. She too had support from her father and husband, which allowed her an education and the support she needed to pursue her

writing.
Virginia’s father believed that education was important for everyone, but women should not go to college. In the article Feminist Writers, her father, Leslie Stephen was said to believe that “women should not be sent to college” (Page 1 of 4) which is why he taught Virginia himself at home. It’s fascinating that one who is so keen on education believes that college is not for women. It’s almost saying well yeah you should keep busy and have an education while your young, but once you are old enough to marry, that’s what you must do and nothing else. In the same article, Feminist Writers, Virginia is documented expressing that “had he lived there would be ‘no writing, no books—inconceivable.” (Page 1 of 4) Without the right education, it is impossible to accomplish what she had accomplished, and that lay in the hands of her father. Her two half brothers on the other hand caused her great stress. They sexually abused her, which could be one contributing factor of her depression.
Like Fanny Mendelssohn, Virginia too had a supportive husband, Leonard Woolf. With their business, The Hogarth Printing Press, Virginia was able to publish her works, which worked out great for her. Their marriage was more of a non-sexual supportive companionship. Virginia had several relationships with other women in her life, and had it not been for her husband Leonard’s encouragement, understanding, and their business, Virginia might have felt trapped and unable to publish her works anywhere.
From her experiences of being a woman writer came A Room of Ones Own. In the first chapter she explores women in education and the men who didn’t allow them into their institutions. She writes, “He was a Beadle; I was a woman. Only the Fellows and Scholars are allowed here; the gravel is the place for me.” (Page 6) This could possibly be a refection on her father’s views of education in her life. She is there at the university to learn; yet she is unable to actually attend. Later on, the main character whose thoughts we follow ends up being a student in a separate college for women. This college is not as beautiful and nice as the University. The differences between the two colleges physically show the struggle of women who wish to get an education. Not only did the men in her family influence her work and life, but the men out in society did as well.
These two amazing and intelligent women were shot down by their time. It was lucky for them that they had men in their lives who gave them an education and supported their artistic abilities. Had they not, Fanny and Virginia would not have received the proper education to learn the skills to create the amazing works they created.