Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (bar-tol'de), Felix. A distinguished German musical composer. Born in Hamburg, 1809. Mendelssohn manifested a precocious taste and genius for music. In his 18th year, he produced his famous "Overture to the Midsummer Night's Dream," as well as the opera of the "Wedding of Camacho." His fame was at once secured. In 1836, appeared his oratorio of "St. Paul," and in 1846, the magnificent one called "Elijah" - a masterpiece, second only to the greatest works of Handel. Mendelssohn's "Songs Without Words" are the most admired of his minor compositions. Died 1847.

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