Name: Mendelssohn and Certain Masterworks by Herbert F. Peyser
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.25 (8 reviews)
Author: Peyser, Herbert F. (Herbert Francis), 1886-1953

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Mendelssohn and Certain Masterworks by Herbert F. Peyser

(8 User reviews) 772

By Scarlett Walker Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Online Behavior

Authors: Peyser, Herbert F. (Herbert Francis), 1886-1953 Published By : Peyser, Herbert F. (Herbert Francis), 1886-1953

Book Language: English

Ever wonder why we remember Beethoven and Mozart, but Felix Mendelssohn often feels like a historical footnote? That's the question that grabbed me about this book. It's not just another dry biography. The author, Herbert F. Peyser, was writing in the early 20th century, right when Mendelssohn's reputation was at a real low point. Critics thought his music was too pretty, too polite, especially compared to the dramatic, revolutionary sounds of his peers. Peyser steps in like a passionate defense attorney, arguing that we've been getting Mendelssohn all wrong. This book is his case file. He doesn't just list facts; he fights for a composer he believes was a genius in his own right, one who created some of the most joyful and brilliantly crafted music ever written. It's a rescue mission for a musical legacy, and reading it feels like watching someone restore a faded masterpiece, brushstroke by brushstroke. If you've ever hummed the tune to the 'Wedding March' or felt the excitement of the 'Italian Symphony,' this book will make you hear that music in a whole new way.

File: Mendelssohn and Certain Masterworks by Herbert F. Peyser

I picked up this book expecting a straightforward guide to Mendelssohn's music. What I got was something much more interesting: a passionate argument from another time.

The Story

Herbert F. Peyser wrote this in the 1930s, long before streaming services and easy access to classical music. Back then, Mendelssohn's star had dimmed. Many saw him as a comfortable, old-fashioned composer, a bit too perfect and not emotionally deep enough. Peyser sets out to change that view. The 'story' here is his journey through Mendelssohn's major works—pieces like the 'Hebrides Overture,' the 'Italian' and 'Scottish' Symphonies, and the 'Elijah' oratorio. But he doesn't just describe them. He listens to them with fresh ears and asks us to do the same. He points out the incredible craftsmanship, the sparkling melodies, and the sheer emotional power that others were overlooking. He's trying to pull Mendelssohn out from under the shadow of Beethoven and Wagner and show us why he deserves his own spotlight.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is Peyser's voice. He's not a detached scholar; he's a fan. You can feel his frustration with the critics and his genuine love for the music. Reading his descriptions is like having a knowledgeable, slightly opinionated friend point out all the best parts of a song you've heard a hundred times. He made me appreciate the quiet drama in Mendelssohn's 'Songs Without Words' and the raw energy in his concertos. This book isn't just about history; it's about how our tastes change and how we decide what art is 'important.' It's a reminder that sometimes, you have to step back and listen for yourself.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect read for classical music lovers who enjoy a good debate. It's especially great if you feel like you don't 'get' Mendelssohn or think of him as background music. Peyser's energetic defense might just convert you. It's also a fascinating snapshot of early 20th-century musical opinion. Fair warning: the language is a bit old-fashioned (it was written in 1934!), but that's part of its charm. You're getting a perspective you won't find in a modern textbook. If you're curious about how reputations are made and unmade in the art world, or if you just want to fall in love with some beautiful music all over again, give this a try.