Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music
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!
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Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (91–100)
Violin Concerto, Second MovementFelix Mendelssohn
In stark contrast to the first movement, which begins with an intense melody, the second movement opens with a gentle and beautiful violin soliloquy.
Over the orchestra’s delicate accompaniment, the violin spins an emotionally rich line.
Entering the middle section, the music shifts to the minor key, and a fierce sorrow emerges in contrast to what came before.
The striking interplay between fresh, radiant beauty and profound sadness stands out, making this a piece that highlights the flowing lyricism of Mendelssohn—celebrated as a prodigy since childhood.
Symphonies Nos. 1–5Felix Mendelssohn
This is a performance by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Claudio Abbado, included in “Mendelssohn: The Complete Symphonies.” When it comes to Mendelssohn, the “Wedding March,” one of the pieces from the incidental music A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is widely known as a representative work.
Prelude and Fugue in C minor, Op. 37 No. 1: FugueFelix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn, the great composer of the German Romantic era.
Though his life was short—only 38 years—he left behind a large body of work, having displayed remarkable musical talent from childhood.
He was active not only as a composer, but also as a conductor, pianist, and organist.
It is well known that by staging J.S.
Bach’s St.
Matthew Passion, he brought Bach—who had largely been forgotten—back into the public eye.
This piece exhibits a Romantic elegance within a classically strict form that reflects his respect for Bach.
Strict Variations, Op. 54Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer and one of the leading figures of the early Romantic era.
His music is known for honoring Classical style while blending it with the emotional expression and imagination of Romanticism.
Completed in 1841, his solo piano work Variations Sérieuses, Op.
54 is a substantial piece of about 11 minutes, consisting of a theme in D minor and 17 variations.
In contrast to the flashy variation sets popular at the time, this ambitious work pursues deeper, more artistic variation.
Each variation presents a wide range of character, and Mendelssohn’s distinctive depth of expression can be felt throughout.
Technically, it is a highly demanding work, but the sense of accomplishment gained through dedicated practice is immense.
It is a piece that advanced pianists are strongly encouraged to tackle.
Strict Variations in D minor, Op. 54Felix Mendelssohn
Among the piano works of German composer Felix Mendelssohn, the Variations Sérieuses is one of the most beloved pieces.
Written in 1841 to raise funds for the construction of a monument to Beethoven, the work consists of 17 variations.
Based on a solemn theme, it unfolds dramatically through changes in rhythm and tempo, combining technical difficulty with inner depth.
Although technically demanding, it is a piece that conveys Mendelssohn’s musical profundity and artistry.
Glory in the highestFelix Mendelssohn
A Christmas carol with lyrics by Charles Wesley and music by Felix Mendelssohn, known as one of the four great English hymns.
Its original form is the Festgesang, a cantata for male chorus and orchestra composed for the 400th anniversary celebration of the invention of printing.
The lyrics introduce Christ and offer words of praise to Him—perfect for Christmas.
A romantically inclined recommended way to listen is to hear it in a church at Christmastime while contemplating Christ.
Glory in the highestFelix Mendelssohn
It is a classic Christmas hymn and is regarded in the United Kingdom as one of the four great hymns, alongside pieces such as “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” It was composed by the German composer Felix Mendelssohn, who left numerous works ranging from orchestral pieces to piano miniatures.
Originally written as a celebratory song commissioned by the city of Leipzig in Germany, it has since become a Christmas staple.
The beautifully interwoven voices of the choir and the solemn lyrics praising Jesus make it perfect for a quietly elegant, grown-up Christmas.
Six Pieces for Children (Christmas Album), Op. 72: No. 1 in G major, Allegro non troppo, MWV U 171Felix Mendelssohn
For Mendelssohn pieces suitable for children and easy for beginners, “Songs Without Words” and “Six Children’s Pieces” are the go-to collections.
As the title suggests, “Six Children’s Pieces” is a standard set for young learners; with a Sonatina-level difficulty, it’s approachable and also recommended for adults who are starting piano and want to try playing Romantic-era music.
This article features the first piece from “Six Children’s Pieces,” notable for its elegant waltz rhythm and frequent use of staccato.
It’s a short work of about one minute, with few accidentals, and as long as you have basic technique, it should be well within reach for early-level players.
Keep the staccato light and crisp, and be careful not to use too much force.
Song of SpringFelix Mendelssohn
When asked, “Which composers wrote many brilliant, sparkling pieces?” many people probably think first of Felix Mendelssohn.
After all, Mendelssohn’s Wedding March is still performed at weddings and receptions today.
His Spring Song is a masterpiece second only to the Wedding March! As the title suggests, it evokes the arrival of spring, with a distinctive melody that is both delicate and radiant—truly memorable.
The collection in which it appears, Songs Without Words, contains other glittering pieces as well, so be sure to check it out.
On Wings of SongFelix Mendelssohn
On Wings of Song is an art song composed by Felix Mendelssohn, a composer of the German Romantic era, set to a poem by Christian Johann Heinrich Heine, the German poet famous for Lorelei.
Owing to the beauty of its melody, it is now also performed as violin and piano pieces.