Mendelssohn, a composer who represents German Romanticism.
He was active not only as a composer but also as a pianist and conductor, and from a young age he possessed such musical talent that he was called a child prodigy.
In this article, we introduce some of the masterpieces Mendelssohn left behind.
Whether you’re a fan of Mendelssohn or not very familiar with him, please take a look.
We hope you’ll notice the characteristics and charm of his style and discover some new favorite pieces.
If you play an instrument or sing, do try performing them yourself!
Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (1–10)
Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19: No. 3 “Hunting Song”Felix Mendelssohn
Barenboim plays Mendelssohn Songs Without Words Op.19 No.3 A Major – Hunting Song
Songs Without Words is a collection of solo piano pieces published in 1832, featuring melodies that sing without lyrics.
The set comprises eight volumes with 48 pieces, and this particular work is distinguished by its lively character depicting a hunting scene.
With an energetic rhythm and dynamic melody, it evokes the feeling of riding out on horseback for a hunt.
Mendelssohn’s hallmark refined melodic beauty stands out, making it appealing not only to classical music enthusiasts but also to those who enjoy playing the piano.
It’s also interesting that, in response to the demands of salon music at the time, the pieces were composed in a way that made them accessible for amateur pianists to perform.
Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 ‘Italian’Felix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn Italian Symphony (Herbert von Karajan)
The multilingual Mendelssohn began composing during a six-month trip to Italy.
He started the work in 1831 and completed it in 1833, when he was 22 to 24 years old.
The first movement begins in A major, and the fourth movement ends in A minor; however, rather than a mournful minor, it’s a dazzling, exuberant finale that incorporates the rhythm of the tarantella.
Throughout all the movements, the piece brims with bright, lively vitality, making it truly worthy of the name “Italian.” The performance time is about 30 minutes.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 21: OvertureFelix Mendelssohn
Stage@Seven: Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Ouverture) – Andrés Orozco-Estrada
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy by Shakespeare with the same title.
Set in ancient Athens, it features a stubborn father determined to marry his daughter off to the man he chose, the daughter who loves someone else, and the father plotting to have his disobedient child executed.
There’s also the daughter’s best friend and her lover.
The fairy king Oberon uses a love potion in a whirlwind of slapstick to somehow bring two pairs of lovers together, and the story ends happily with their weddings.
Mendelssohn wrote the incidental music for this drama—11 (or 12) pieces including intermezzi and a scherzo—with the drama beginning with the Overture.
Since Frederick Ashton’s 1964 choreography, it has been performed as a ballet.
The complete music runs about 50 minutes; to start, please listen to the opening Overture.
Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19 No. 1 “Sweet Remembrance”Felix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn – Songs without Words Op. 19 No. 1 (Gortler)
This is the first piece from the first book of the eight sets of Songs Without Words.
Mendelssohn’s music is often said to be ungrounded, fluttering in the air like a fairy, drifting weightlessly.
This quality is especially evident in his piano pieces and songs; in this work in particular, the music sings calmly in a dreamlike world while brimming with emotion.
Its hallmark is a tender, aching melody that flows above an arpeggiated accompaniment.
The title was added later by the publisher.
Suitable for family and mini-concerts alike, it is a work that captivates listeners.
Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49Felix Mendelssohn
ATOS Trio: Mendelssohn – Trio no.1 in d-minor, op.49 – live at Wigmore Hall
This piano trio for piano, violin, and cello is the work that Schumann praised, saying: “Just as Beethoven’s B-flat major and D major trios and Schubert’s E-flat major trio are their masterpieces, this is the trio of a grand master of our time.
It is an exceptionally fine work that will delight our grandchildren and great-grandchildren for many years to come.” Schumann, his wife Clara Schumann, and Mendelssohn enjoyed a warm friendship.
Mendelssohn, founder and director of the Leipzig Conservatory, was one year older than Schumann and offered them support in many ways.
As a critic and concert promoter (producer), Mendelssohn also helped introduce Schumann’s symphonies.
The performers are the Borodin Trio; movements I–IV, total performance time approximately 31 minutes.
