Why was Mendelssohn work not accepted at the time?

Answer 1

Mendelssohn's work faced initial resistance due to its Romantic qualities, which contrasted with the prevailing Classical traditions of the time. Additionally, he was often seen as too influenced by earlier composers like Bach and Mozart, which led some critics to dismiss his innovative approach. Furthermore, his Jewish heritage in a predominantly Christian society may have contributed to the lack of acceptance and recognition during his lifetime. Despite this, his music later gained appreciation and has become a crucial part of the classical repertoire.