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German composer, pianist, and salonnière of the Romantic era, renowned for her prolific output and influential musical gatherings.Elder sister of Felix Mendelssohn, born into a prominent Berlin family. Received exceptional musical education but faced societal restrictions on publishing works. Composed over 460 pieces including lieder, piano cycles, and chamber music. Directed the Sonntagsmusiken salon for two decades. Published first compositions under her name in 1846, months before her death.

• Her father Abraham Mendelssohn explicitly forbade her from pursuing music professionally, stating it could only be an 'ornament' for her.
• Early compositions (notably her song "Italien") were published under Felix's name with his consent, masking her authorship due to gender norms.
• Married court painter Wilhelm Hensel in 1829; he actively encouraged her composition and sketched portraits of salon attendees.
• Her influential Sonntagsmusiken salon featured premieres of works by both siblings and attracted cultural elites like Liszt, Clara Schumann, and Hegel.
• Died suddenly of a stroke at age 41 while rehearsing Felix's cantata "Die erste Walpurgisnacht" for her salon.