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 (101–110)
Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19, No. 6: Venetian Boat Song No. 1Felix Mendelssohn
Did you know that it was Mendelssohn who is said to have been among the first in the classical field to incorporate the “barcarolle,” modeled after the songs gondoliers were said to hum on the waters of Venice? His Songs Without Words contains three Venetian Gondola Songs, with No.
3 being the most famous.
This time, however, following the theme of pieces that are relatively easy to play, I’ll introduce Venetian Gondola Song No.
1 from Book I of Songs Without Words.
In the characteristic 6/8 meter of a barcarolle, the left-hand accompaniment beautifully evokes the motion of a gondola rocking on the waves.
There are no complex techniques, and simply following the notes is not difficult, but getting comfortable with the 6/8 rhythm is crucial.
Try to feel it in two beats rather than six, and while the left-hand accompaniment is steady, avoid making it too mechanical—play while imagining the gondola’s movement, as mentioned earlier.
Songs Without Words, Book II, Op. 30, No. 3, ConsolationFelix Mendelssohn
Although Songs Without Words is relatively easy and often used as practice material for children, the level of difficulty does vary somewhat across its 48 pieces.
This Consolation from Book II, Op.
30 is likely among the easiest, making it an ideal choice for your first foray into the collection.
While the piece does not have a complex structure, be sure to pay close attention to slurs and dynamic markings as you play.
It tends to be a rather subdued work and can easily be rendered too plainly, but if you keep a calm, unhurried tempo—without letting it become too slow—and add clear, thoughtful expression in key spots, you’ll be able to bring out the music’s refined beauty.
Songs Without Words, Book II, Op. 30, No. 6: Venetian Boat SongFelix Mendelssohn
This is a piece included in Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words.
Mendelssohn is said to have been fond of the wistful melodies sung by Venetian gondoliers, and the gently undulating waves and the accompanying motion of the boat are expressed through a relaxed, flowing melody.
Songs Without Words, Book II, Op. 30: No. 6, Venetian Boat Song No. 2Felix Mendelssohn
This piece is filled with the charm of Felix Mendelssohn, the great master of the early German Romantic era.
Born in February 1809, Mendelssohn displayed his talent from a young age.
This work is one of his hallmark Songs Without Words, depicting scenes of Venice through music.
Within its gentle 6/8 meter, it skillfully conveys the quiet sway of a gondola and the occasional surges of emotion.
The calm accompaniment in the left hand and the memorable melodic line in the right leave a deep resonance in the listener’s heart.
Though tranquil, the piece carries a touch of poignancy, making it a soul-stirring work you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
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 V, Op. 62, No. 6 “Spring Song”Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn, active in the 19th century, was a composer who, while profoundly influenced by Classical masters such as Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, is also known as a pioneer of Romanticism.
One of his representative works, “Songs Without Words, Book 5, Op.
62,” includes No.
6, “Spring Song,” a picturesque miniature themed around spring.
The piano’s gentle melody seems to announce the end of winter and express the hopeful arrival of spring, when new life begins to bud.
Its light yet transparent touch evokes flowers swaying in the spring breeze and the chirping of small birds.
This piece, which paints the joy and beauty of spring in sound, is perfect for anyone who wants to savor music while sensing the changing of the seasons.
Spring Song from Songs Without WordsFelix Mendelssohn
Among the 48 Songs Without Words, this is the most famous piece.
With its short form and approachable melody, the collection has become one of Mendelssohn’s signature works.
The title was not given by Mendelssohn himself; because the score begins with the indication “like a spring song,” it came to be popularly known as “Spring Song.” The piece conveys a sense of longing for spring and a fresh, cheerful atmosphere.
A Midsummer Night’s DreamFelix Mendelssohn
This suite is based on Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The “Nocturne” features a truly dreamlike, beautiful melody that continues throughout.
It feels like you can immerse yourself in a world of happiness reserved just for the two of you.
The thorns in your heart are removed, leaving you calm, peaceful, and gentle.
The “Wedding March” is the most famous piece; rather than simply affirming love, it conveys a powerful resolve—a strong will for the two to live their lives together from here on.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: OvertureFelix Mendelssohn
This is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a piece completed by the German composer Felix Mendelssohn when he was just 17.
It is said to be based on Shakespeare’s play.
The piece also appears to be used in the Japanese TV anime beloved over many years, Doraemon, specifically in the film Doraemon: Nobita and the Galaxy Super-Express.
You’ll be overwhelmed by the dynamic, grand performance unique to an orchestra.
It’s also used as incidental music, making it familiar and full of the charm of classical music, so please give it a listen.
Hymn No. 98: ‘Glory to God in the Highest’Felix Mendelssohn
Known as a quintessential hymn celebrating Christmas, this piece has a profound historical background.
The lyrics were written by Charles Wesley in 1739 and later revised by George Whitefield.
The melody was adapted from part of a cantata composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840.
In 1855, William H.
Cummings shaped it into the form we know today, leading to its wide popularization.
The hymn celebrates the reconciliation between God and humanity through the birth of Christ, the coming of peace and mercy, and the dawning of a new light of life.
Its beautiful melody and powerful message enhance the atmosphere of the holy night and deeply move listeners.
It is sung in many churches during the Christmas season and continues to be loved by Christians around the world.