Fanny Hensel was born a musical prodigy in Hamburg in 1805, and like her brother, Felix, she was destined for a music career. She and Felix studied piano performance and composition, but at 14, something changed for Fanny. Suddenly, their father supported Felix, not Fanny. He said Fanny was a woman, and a woman’s place was in the home. She and Felix stayed close throughout their lives, but Fanny never achieved all that Felix did. As a wife and mother, she tried to continue her musical development, but she always struggled with wanting a career.
This children´s book depicts her fascinating life, it includes many illustrations, and it gives readers a peek into the world of composition and piano performance.
By Kristina Rosenhall
Cover Illustration Harry Aveira