Fanny Mendelssohn Influence On Women

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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, …show more content…

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

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