Final answer:
The mystery of Felix Mendelssohn passing off his wife Fanny's music as his own sheds light on gender inequalities in music history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mystery of Felix Mendelssohn passing off his wife Fanny's music as his own is significant in music history because it sheds light on the gender inequalities prevalent during that time period.
Fanny Mendelssohn, despite being a talented composer, was not able to receive the same recognition and opportunities as her brother Felix due to societal norms and expectations. By attributing Fanny's compositions to himself, Felix not only denied his wife the credit she deserved but also perpetuated the stereotype that women were not capable of composing music at the same level as men.
This incident highlights the need for more gender equality in the field of music and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of female composers throughout history.