* * * * *
During the next two years Mendelssohn was cultivating and developing his
natural gifts in every direction. He attended the lectures of Hegel,
Ritter, and others at the Berlin University, was in frequent contact
with some of the most prominent men of the day, and already took the
highest position both as a composer and as a pianist. Amongst the
friends who formed the select circle at his father’s house, and who
remained attached to him through life, were Eduard Devrient, the
distinguished actor and writer on Dramatic Art, and Carl Klingemann, who
lived many years in England as Attaché to the Hanoverian Embassy. The
latter was highly gifted as a poet, and many of Mendelssohn’s most
popular songs were inspired by his verses.
* * * * *
BERLIN, Dec. 12, 1828.
MY DEAR SIR AND ESTEEMED FRIEND,--My son, in whom you take so kind an
interest, is about to leave his home in a few months, and to go forth
into the world. He is a musician, and a musician he means to remain; and
in furtherance of his musical education he proposes to make some stay in
Italy, France, England, and Germany, with a view to becoming acquainted
with the great works of art, the prominent artists and art institutions
of these countries, and of seeing for himself what Music aspires to, and
what it has achieved.
What a comfort it is to us to know that in that vast metropolis, so
strange and so new to my son, he is to be welcomed by such true and warm
friends as yourself and Carl Klingemann!
To him please remember me most kindly when you see him, and do not fail
to present my kindest regards to Mrs. Moscheles.
Yours most truly,