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 (111–120)
Hymn No. 98: Glory in the HighestFelix Mendelssohn
Gloria in Excelsis (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing) was composed by Felix Mendelssohn, a composer and keyboardist born in Berlin in the Kingdom of Prussia.
It is a very famous Christmas hymn, and even people who don’t know the title have likely heard it during the Christmas season.
Six Preludes and Fugues, Op. 35: No. 1, PreludeFelix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn’s representative work, Prelude and Fugue in E minor, Op.
35 No.
1 – Prelude.
It’s a piece in which melodies strongly influenced by Bach gradually reveal a Romantic character, and its high level of difficulty means it is still performed by many pianists today.
The most challenging aspect is undoubtedly the section in the latter half where the tempo accelerates.
In addition to the difficulty of rapid passages, it also demands a high degree of expressiveness, making it truly a piano piece for advanced players.
Symphony No. 4 “Italian”Felix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn began composing this piece during his travels in Italy from the autumn of 1830 to the spring of 1831.
He is often called a “painter in sound,” and the opening music has a grandeur that feels as if a sun‑drenched landscape is unfolding before your eyes.
He also incorporated the saltarello, an Italian dance that was popular in the 15th century, to evoke the spirit of Italy.
Prosper under the rainFelix Mendelssohn
It’s a classic Christmas carol.
It’s often used in commercials and as insert music in TV dramas and movies.
While the divided-part choral version is, of course, beautiful, the wind ensemble arrangement is also very rich and highly recommended.
Wedding March from the opera “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”Felix Mendelssohn
A super famous song that needs no introduction—the wedding march.
It’s the piece that plays when the doors swing open and the bride and groom enter the venue, so there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know it.
It was originally a piano duet, but it has been arranged for orchestra.
Mendelssohn is said to have been 17 when he composed it.
It’s based on Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Violin ConcertoFelix Mendelssohn
This is the Violin Concerto by the German composer Mendelssohn, who produced numerous works including piano pieces and concertos.
Alongside the works of Beethoven and Brahms, it is considered one of the three great violin concertos.
Many people will recognize the opening of the first movement, where the violin’s melody combines both power and poignancy.
The violin’s tone, which conveys strength that resonates deep within the body as well as delicate nuance, is sure to reach the baby in the womb as well.
Six Pieces for Children, Op. 72 No. 1Felix Mendelssohn
For Mendelssohn pieces suitable for children and easy for beginners to play, the options are Songs Without Words or Six Children’s Pieces.
As the title suggests, Six Children’s Pieces is a staple piano collection for children’s studies.
Its difficulty is around the sonatina level, making it approachable, and it’s also recommended for adults who are starting piano and want to try playing Romantic-era music.
The piece introduced here is No.
1 from Six Children’s Pieces, characterized by an elegant waltz rhythm and phrases that make extensive use of staccato.
It’s a short work of about one minute with few accidentals, and as long as you have the basic techniques down, even early-stage players should manage well.
Keep the staccato light and crisp, and be careful not to press too hard.
Symphony No. 2 “Hymn”Felix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.
2, “Lobgesang” (Hymn of Praise), is a two-part symphony that incorporates chorus.
Although it is called No.
2, the actual order of composition was 1 → 5 → 4 → 2 → 3.
The trombones bear a significant role by presenting the main theme at the outset, and this motif is employed throughout the entire work.
Wedding MarchFelix Mendelssohn
When people hear “Wedding March,” many probably think of this piece.
It’s a movement from Mendelssohn’s incidental music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is based on Shakespeare’s play of the same name.
Beginning with a resounding trumpet fanfare and growing increasingly majestic, the music perfectly embodies the splendor and noble atmosphere of a wedding.
From the Motets, No. 1 “Lord, Come” Op. 39-1Felix Mendelssohn
During his trip to Rome, Mendelssohn stayed near the Trinità dei Monti convent for nuns, located at the top of the Spanish Steps.
Attending the convent’s Mass every day, he heard the soft, plaintive, beautiful voices of the nuns—who, at the time, did not appear before the public—singing from behind the scenes.
Moved to write something for them, he composed motets (music for the Divine Office) for the nuns.
Mendelssohn remarked, “Though we do not know each other’s faces, what a delight it is to hear them sing sacred music composed by me, a barbaric German.” Perhaps owing to lingering resentment from the Migration Period, Italians and other Latin peoples of the time regarded Germans as barbarians.
Thus the beautiful first piece, sung in Latin, came to be composed.