Tragic origins: Korea National Symphony celebrates Weber and Mendelssohn
In 1806, Carl Maria von Weber accidentally drank nitric acid used for engraving, mistaking it for wine. The near-fatal mishap left his vocal cords damaged for life. A year later, entangled in his father’s catastrophic debts, he was arrested for embezzlement and banished from Württemberg. Yet, out of this chaotic crucible in his early 20s, the German composer forged his Piano Quartet in B-flat…
In 1806, Carl Maria von Weber mistakenly drank nitric acid used for engraving, believing it to be wine. The near-fatal mistake left his vocal cords impaired for life. A year later, burdened by his father's crippling debts, Weber was arrested for embezzlement and banished from his home region of Württemberg. Despite this tumultuous beginning in his twenties, Weber, a German composer, crafted his Piano Quartet in B-flat major. This bold composition played a crucial role in shaping early Romanticism.
Nearly 40 years later, Felix Mendelssohn grappled with his own form of torment. Devastated by the sudden stroke and death of his beloved sister and musical confidant, Fanny, Mendelssohn found himself struggling with severe depression. In a letter to his sister Rebecka while recuperating in Switzerland in 1847, he confided in her: "I am trying to be industrious, in the hope that I may once more find some interest and pleasure in work."
That desperate search for solace led to the completion of his final masterpiece, the String Quartet No. 6 in F minor. This stark departure from his earlier works marked a significant milestone in Mendelssohn's life and musical legacy.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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