Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) was a German Romantic composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher, celebrated as an extraordinary musical prodigy from a wealthy, cultured family who became a pivotal figure in early 19th-century music, known for bridging Classical and Romantic styles with works like A Midsummer Night's Dream Overture, the "Italian" Symphony, and reviving Bach's music, though his life was cut short at 38 after suffering personal losses.