Beginner-friendly: Easily playable Mendelssohn piano pieces. Recommended piano works.
Felix Mendelssohn, a German Romantic composer who was also active as a conductor, pianist, and organist.
While creating numerous masterpieces such as his Violin Concerto and solo piano works, he also worked energetically to revive the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and to found the Leipzig Conservatory, making him a figure who had a profound impact on the musical world of the 19th century.
In this article, we will carefully select and introduce some of Mendelssohn’s piano works that are relatively easy in difficulty.
With steady practice, you’ll surely be able to play them—so read on to the end!
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[Easy Level] Mendelssohn Piano Pieces That Are Easy to Play. Recommended Piano Pieces (11–20)
Six Pieces for Children (Christmas Album), Op. 72: No. 2 in E-flat major, Andante sostenuto, MWV U 170Felix Mendelssohn
Composed as a gift for children at Christmas in 1842, Mendelssohn’s piano miniature is enveloped in a gentle, tender atmosphere.
Written in E-flat major, it features a delicate touch and refined harmonic progressions, and despite its brief length of 42 measures, it conveys a profound musicality.
Set at a relaxed Andante sostenuto tempo, its warmly expressive melody has a soothing charm.
Among the six pieces in this collection, it is particularly approachable, making it an ideal work for those just beginning piano study or for listeners interested in Romantic-era music.
Songs Without Words, Book 4, Op. 53 No. 4, Sorrow of the HeartFelix Mendelssohn
From the piano collection Songs Without Words, whose delicate, introspective melodies touch the heart, this piece stands out for the serene beauty of its Adagio.
Its gently flowing line carries deep sorrow and melancholy; published in 1841, the work remains calm while containing powerful emotional expression.
As the right hand sings a graceful melody, the left hand supports it softly, like a heartbeat.
Suited to a composed, reflective performance, it is recommended for those who want to fully savor the allure of Romantic music and value nuanced expression.
Despite its simple structure, it offers rich musicality.
Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62 No. 1 ‘May Breezes’Felix Mendelssohn
“May Breezes” from Book 5 of Songs Without Words is a piece whose gentle, tender sonority perfectly matches its title.
Among the 48 pieces in the collection, it isn’t among the most difficult, and it seems well-suited to the theme of this article.
In the right-hand main melody, there are ornamental sixteenth notes; aim to play them so they don’t interfere with the principal line, yet without becoming too weak.
As for the left-hand accompaniment—especially in the first half—those with smaller hands may find it a bit challenging, but keep practicing so that you can play it smoothly and without breaks.
Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19, No. 4: A Secret ConversationFelix Mendelssohn
This is a gentle miniature whose calm, graceful melody seeps into the heart.
Written in 1830, the piece lets its melody flow as if singing, giving the impression of confiding a secret feeling to someone.
It’s approachable for anyone who can read music, built from a simple left-hand accompaniment and a richly expressive right-hand melody.
Its charm lies in a slow tempo that unfolds like storytelling, and despite having no lyrics, it carries abundant emotional expression.
It’s an excellent choice for those who wish to savor the elegance of Romantic music or refine their expressive touch.
Why not take your time, enjoy the tranquil passage of time, and practice it with care?
Seven Character Pieces, No. 5 in A major, “Earnestly, with increasing liveliness (Ernst und mit steigender Lebhaftigkeit),” Fugue, MWV U 60Felix Mendelssohn
Written in A major, this piece is a gentle, soothing work included in the album “Seven Character Pieces.” While it begins with a sincere atmosphere, its structure gradually gains vitality, evoking the warmth of a rising sun.
Composed in 1827, it is a refined work in which an elegant melody and skillful construction are in harmony.
Although it adopts the form of a fugue, its soft expression avoids any sense of stiffness.
The development, like small waves swelling into a large surge, naturally captures the listener’s heart.
Technically, there are few difficult passages, and with slow, steady practice, one can truly appreciate the beauty of the music.
Three Fantasies or Caprices, Op. 16: No. 1 in A minor/A major, MWV U 70Felix Mendelssohn
This is an emotionally rich piano miniature written in the summer of 1829.
It features an introspective melody that begins Andante and a lively Allegro vivace section that leaves a strong impression.
The opening calls for lyrical, elegant expression, while the middle section unfolds with vibrant, brilliant passages full of momentum.
With its classical structure beautifully balanced by Romantic sensibilities, and its melodic appeal, the piece is both approachable and comfortable to play.
With steady practice it is a work you can certainly master, making it a recommended choice for piano enthusiasts.
[Lower difficulty] Easy-to-play Mendelssohn piano pieces. Recommended piano pieces (21–30)
Variations in E-flat major, Op. 82, MWV U 158 — Theme: Andante assai espressivoFelix Mendelssohn
An elegant set of variations consisting of a theme and five variations.
Composed in July 1841, it bears the typical characteristics of the Romantic era while overflowing with profound emotional expression and delicate musicality.
The theme begins with a calm, expressively rich melody, followed by an ornamental first variation, a second variation characterized by harmonic changes, a lively third variation, and a quiet fourth variation.
In the fifth variation, the theme reappears, bringing the piece to a close with a beautiful afterglow.
With its approachable melody and a level of difficulty that can certainly be mastered through careful practice, this work is recommended for those who wish to explore Mendelssohn’s world or take on Romantic piano repertoire.