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 (71–80)
Seven Character Pieces, Op. 7: No. 1 — Gently, with feelingFelix Mendelssohn
Composed between 1827 and 1829, the Seven Character Pieces are known as a collection of piano works that most clearly show Bach’s influence within Mendelssohn’s output.
Their style makes extensive use of counterpoint—the technique of sounding multiple distinct melodies simultaneously while maintaining harmonic coherence.
Players who have only performed pieces where the right hand plays the melody and the left hand provides chordal accompaniment may find this approach unfamiliar, but tackling these Seven Character Pieces as a beginner pianist will undoubtedly help you level up.
Here, we focus on No.
1, “Tenderly, with feeling,” which is considered one of the less difficult pieces in the set.
Its melody, imbued with Bach-like elegance and a touch of melancholy, is exceptionally beautiful, and playing it convincingly may give you a taste—however small—of Classical-era delights.
As noted, the right and left hands unfold with independent motion, so for beginners it’s important to practice hands separately.
Because the piece lacks overt showiness, be careful not to let it become too plain by playing it too evenly; shape the phrases and add dynamic nuance.
HerbstliedFelix Mendelssohn
Among the works of Felix Mendelssohn, a composer who represents the German Romantic movement of the 19th century, the piece known as a symbol of autumn is “Herbstlied” (Autumn Song).
Published in 1844, this song sets a poem by the poet Karl Klingemann to music, portraying the transience of life through the shifting scenes of autumn while singing of the eternity of love and hope.
Its melody, tinged with quiet melancholy yet imbued with hope, perfectly suits an autumn evening.
Showcasing Mendelssohn’s delicate sensibility, this work is recommended for those who wish to reflect on life while feeling the arrival of autumn.
“On Wings of Song” from “Six Songs”Felix Mendelssohn
A work arranged by Liszt from No.
2 of Mendelssohn’s song cycle “Six Songs.” The text of this song is based on a poem from Heinrich Heine’s 1827 collection “Book of Songs,” and its romantic content sings of taking one’s beloved to India—a distant Eastern land then thought of as a fairy-tale realm.
While preserving the gentle, song-like atmosphere of the original, it also bears Liszt’s signature brilliance and beautiful sonorities, making for a single piece that is both elegant and evocative.
Fantasia on “The Last Rose of Summer,” Op. 15Felix Mendelssohn
“The Last Rose of Summer” is a poem written in 1805 by the Irish poet Thomas Moore, later published in 1813 set to a traditional Irish folk melody.
In Japan, it is widely known as the school song “Niwa no Chigusa” (“The Flowers in the Garden”), and it has also been frequently quoted in classical music.
Among the most famous is Mendelssohn’s Fantasia on “The Last Rose of Summer,” Op.
15.
While incorporating the original tune, Mendelssohn’s refined sensibility elevates it brilliantly into a piano piece.
The opening gently presents the main theme’s melody, but the middle section suddenly plunges into a dramatic, urgent development—beginning with a presto agitato that feels like a rush of stirred emotions.
The way the main theme occasionally resurfaces in song-like phrases, and the way the piece ends as if fading into silence, creates a wonderfully dreamlike atmosphere.
That said, performing it requires at least an intermediate level of technique, and it will be quite challenging for someone only just approaching that level.
In the presto agitato, where sixteenth notes are struck in alternation between the right and left hands, be careful not to merely run through the notes; stay keenly aware of the distinct roles of each hand.
Shaping contrasts in tempo and character throughout the entire piece, and keeping in mind the imagery conveyed by the original poem, will also deepen your expressiveness.
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s DreamFelix Mendelssohn
When it comes to wedding music, many people probably think of this piece.
The fanfare at the beginning is incredibly famous.
This piece is one of the incidental music numbers from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, composed by the German composer Felix Mendelssohn.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a play written by William Shakespeare, telling a story woven by aristocratic men and women about to be married and by fairies.
It is characterized by a simple, memorable melody and a bright yet dignified atmosphere.
Elias (Elia)Felix Mendelssohn
An oratorio depicting the life of Elijah, a prophet from the Old Testament, and one of the signature works of German composer Felix Mendelssohn.
Premiered in Birmingham, England, in August 1846, it captivated an audience of more than 2,000.
Centered on the themes of God’s power and human faith, it portrays Elijah’s suffering and hope with dramatic intensity.
Its rich harmonies for chorus, soloists, and orchestra leave a deep impression on listeners.
Seamlessly blending Romantic emotional expression with Baroque tradition, this masterpiece is recommended for those new to classical music and for anyone seeking music with a moving, narrative quality.
Organ Sonata in B-flat major, Op. 65 No. 4, MWV W59, IV. Allegro maestoso e vivaceFelix Mendelssohn
The final movement of Mendelssohn’s organ sonata composed in 1845.
While adopting Baroque forms, it fuses the Romantic era’s characteristically expressive harmonies with an elegant architectural design to create a majestic work.
The brilliant finale, developed around a fugue, is both solemn and full of vitality, leaving a powerful impression on the listener.
This piece was born out of an organ performance tour in England.
From 1837 onward, Mendelssohn helped popularize organ music in England, and that experience led to the creation of this work.
It’s a highly recommended piece not only for lovers of organ music but also for anyone interested in classical music.