Trauermarsch (Funeral March), Op.103 (uploaded for Veteran's Day / Armistice Day / Remembrance Day)

Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (3 February 1809 – 4 November 1847), widely known as Felix Mendelssohn, was a German composer, pianist, organist and conductor of the early Romantic period. Mendelssohn's compositions include symphonies, concertos, piano music, organ music and chamber music.

Mendelssohn's grandfather was the Jewish philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, but Felix was initially raised without religion until he was baptised aged seven into the Reformed Christian church. He was recognised early as a musical prodigy, but his parents were cautious and did not seek to capitalise on his talent.

After a long period of relative denigration due to changing musical tastes and antisemitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his creative originality has been re-evaluated. He is now among the most popular composers of the Romantic era.

William Thomas Best (13 August 1826 — 10 May 1897) was certainly the most famous British organist of the time, and was proclaimed by none other than Franz Liszt to be THE greatest virtuoso on ANY instrument!

His transcriptions are always impeccable and demanding.

"Trauermarsch, Op. 103" was composed in 1836 and received its first performance that year. It was originally written for a wind ensemble, but I think is most generally heard in an orchestral version. On the transcription, Best calls it as: "for military band."

It is grandiose and solemn, very tragically heroic and full of pathos. It fits the sentiments of this day well when we commemorate the service of our veterans and the countless lives lost in all the brutal wars.

We also give thanks for all the veterans who are alive. All of them have served our country, and all are heroes!

The score is attached below, as well as several portraits of Felix Mendelssohn, and a photo of his study. Also included are several photos of William T. Best.

Peace to All!