Mendelssohn cooks up some music

Composers Datebook

Synopsis

The greatest clarinetist of the early 19th century was Heinrich Baermann, whose son Carl was also a fantastic performer on the basset horn, the lower-voiced member of the clarinet family. Felix Mendelssohn, in addition to being fond of their playing, was fond another Baermann Family specialty: the “Dampfnudeln” or sweet dumplings they served their friends.

In December of 1832, Mendelssohn asked if they’d whip him up a batch. The Baermanns said “Sure – if you’ll whip something up for us, namely a duet for clarinet and basset horn.”

Carl Baermann described what happened next: “Mendelssohn put a chef’s hat on my head, drew an apron around my waist and stuck a cooking spoon into the waistband. He did the same himself, except that instead of a spoon, he stuck a pen behind his ear. Then he led me into the kitchen ... He returned to his room where, as he said, he was going to stir and knead tones ... When I brought the dumpling in a covered dish to the table at the time agreed upon, Mendelssohn also had his duet in a covered dish. Father and I were delighted with the charming piece — although Mendelssohn kept saying that my creation was better than his.”

Music Played in Today's Program

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847): Concert Piece No. 1; Sabine and Wolfgang Meyer, clarinet and basset horn; Wurtemberg Chamber Orchestra; Jorg Faerber, conductor; EMI 47233