Breitkopf & Härtel mourns the death of Christian Martin Schmidt

Breitkopf & Härtel mourns the death of musicologist Christian Martin Schmidt, retired professor of musicology at the Technical University of Berlin and long-time chairman of the “Leipzig Edition of the Works of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” at the "Sächsische Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Leipzig", who has died at the age of 81.

Christian Martin Schmidt was regarded as a leading figure in modern musicology. After completing their studies with him, generations of young scholars took up key positions at leading institutes in Germany and abroad.

As co-founder and chairman of the editorial board, Schmidt edited numerous volumes of the Leipzig Mendelssohn Complete Edition, including the concert overtures op. 21, 26 and 27 as well as the organ works. In 2023, his five-volume edition of the oratorio ‘Elijah’ was honoured with the German Music Editing Prize BEST EDITION as part of the complete edition.

Breitkopf & Härtel pays tribute to Christian Martin Schmidt's lifelong achievements. Our condolences go to his family and his long-time companions. We will keep him in honourable memory.

Foto: Charlotte Oswald