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Take a celebrated musical genius, sibling rivalry, an unknown manuscript, some very persistent research and one sensational revelation, and what have you got? Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn – the documentary from BAFTA-winning director Sheila Hayman that features global Decca star, Isata Kanneh-Mason.
The film reveals the extraordinary story of Fanny, a composer long sidelined to her famous brother Felix by the guardians of classical music, who despite being forbidden a musical career persevered, composing 450 works in her short life. Fanny’s lost masterpiece, 'The Easter Sonata', is brought to life by virtuoso pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. As she explores the music, the parallels between her life and Fanny's – including the challenge of being a pioneer with few role models in classical music -- become clear. As moving as it is joyous, and shot on location in Berlin, New York, London, Oxford and Buckingham Palace, Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn is the story of a very modern woman – who just happened to live 200 years ago.
The Garden Cinema View:
Director Sheila Hayman utilises the compelling story of composer Fanny Mendelssohn to explore the historic discrimination against women pursuing careers in the arts, the issue of credit misattribution, and offers a contemporary critique of racism within the contemporary classical music industry.
It seamlessly weaves an interesting premise with interpretations of Fanny's work by contemporary female pianists.
Although Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn confronts depressing issues such as the stifling of women's talents in patriarchal societies - amazingly - it manages to be uplifting and joyous!