A moving and vivid account of the death of Lea Mendelssohn, neé Salomon. Born in 1774, she was the beloved matriarch of the Mendelssohn family. The day of her death a eulogizing obituary was published in the Berlin Vossische Zeitung, probably written by Varnhagen, describing her as one of the city's 'most eminent inhabitants' and praising her intellect and sweetness whilst noting her strength of character. Lea was herself an accomplished musician and was Fanny's first piano teacher. After her mother's death, Fanny became the pivotal figure of the Mendelssohn household.

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