Abraham Mendelssohn was pleased to call himself, “First the son of the famous Moses Mendelssohn, then the father of the eminent Felix Mendelssohn.” His banking house in Berlin is still in the family. The most noted musicians and artists were entertained in the Mendelssohn home, and heard the compositions of the gifted young man. In 1821 the boy was taken to Goethe’s home where he played and improvised for the poet. He was delighted with him for his musical talent, and because he had inherited the gift of conversation and letters from his grandfather, of whom Goethe was very fond. Young Mendelssohn never shocked the great old poet as did Beethoven, for his manner was always correct. In 1825 Mendelssohn went to Paris to Cherubini who was asked whether his talent justified cultivation beyond the average stage. The master was very enthusiastic, but his father would not leave him in Paris, even in charge of the noted teacher. Returning to Berlin he wrote the overture to _Midsummer Night’s Dream_ (1826). It reflects the dancing elves and the humor of Shakespeare, while the orchestra has a delicate touch, similar to that shown by Berlioz at the same period. Mendelssohn was only seventeen when he wrote it, with all its finish and its flawless musical treatment. Much that he did at that period shows his natural flow of genius. Music seemed to gush from his soul like pure, fresh water from a spring, making one think of cool fountains, sparkling with melody and clarity. These qualities are also in the _Fingal’s Cave_ or _Hebrides_ overture, and he takes you on his delightful trips in _Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage_. The way these numbers reflect his impressions and the way he transmitted them to others is typical of the Romantic School. The purity of his musical form related him to the classical and gave inklings of the Symphonic Tone Poem. In his symphonies Mendelssohn also told tales of his travels, as in the _Italian Symphony_, and in his _Scotch Symphony_ in which he made use of Scotch folk tunes. He also wrote much chamber music. He left some piano concertos which may not attract the professionals of today but are the joy of many piano students who play them arranged for two pianos. Mendelssohn tried operas but like many others failed to find a good libretto. This was the trouble with one he produced in Berlin. Added to this there were many intrigues and jealousies at the opera house which turned him bitterly against that city.