Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) was an early Romantic era composer in the 19th century. Mendelssohn was raised in a wealthy, cultured and respected family. He was exposed to German literature and poetry at a very young age. His short life was occupied with composition. Mendelssohn composed approximately 130 art songs, and his best-known works included: the oratorio Elijah (1845); five symphonies; several concert overtures; a violin concerto, any many more.

From 1834 to 1842, Mendelssohn wrote Sechs Gesänge, Op. 34 and Sechs Lieder, Op. 57. Each of the sets includes a song titled “Suleika,” which are “Suleika: Was bedeutet die Bewegung?” and “Suleika: Ach, um deine feuchten Schwingen”. Both texts were from Goethe's West-East Divan (1814), which actually documented Goethe’s love affair with his lover, Marianne von Willemer .

This thesis consists of five chapters. The first chapter contains the introduction, purpose of study, and methodology. Chapter two is the overview of Mendelssohn’s life and music. Chapter three offers the background of Goethe's West-East Divan and his personal relationship with Marianne. Chapter four is the analysis and the compositional background of the two sets: Sechs Gesänge and Sechs Lieder. The final chapter is the conclusion.