Born on February 3
Felix Mendelssohn's Birthday
The man behind the Wedding March.
Next: February 3, 2027
Where it comes from
Felix Mendelssohn was born in Hamburg on 3 February 1809, and this Story marks his birthday. A grandson of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, he grew up in Berlin and was an astonishing child composer, writing operas, string symphonies and sonatas as a boy. At 17 he wrote the Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream.
How it's celebrated
There is no formal observance, but his music is easy to celebrate: the 'Wedding March' from A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Italian and Scottish symphonies, the violin concerto, or a few of the short piano pieces he called Songs Without Words.
Did you know
The custom of playing his 'Wedding March' as a bride and groom leave began after it was performed at the wedding of Britain's Princess Royal in 1858.
Read the full story of Felix Mendelssohn's Birthday
Star sign
Aquarius · January 20 – February 18 · Air sign
Original and independent, a little ahead of their time.