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 (81–90)
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 – Movement IFelix Mendelssohn
The first movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.
64, is a beloved staple of the violin concerto repertoire.
While it fully showcases the instrument’s appeal, its wistful melody and sentimental character also pair beautifully with the piano.
When expressing its passionate lines on the piano, it’s important to keep in mind violin-specific phrasing.
Why not enjoy a delicate and beautiful piano arrangement that offers a different flavor from the original’s rich texture for orchestra and solo violin?
From Violin Concerto, First MovementFelix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto—affectionately known by the nickname “Meso-con”—is such a masterpiece that, together with the violin concertos of Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky, it is counted among the “Four Great Violin Concertos.” Mendelssohn’s music possesses a pure, mystical resonance, and his musicality led to his being hailed as a prodigy from a young age.
Although this piece opens with power and intensity, it also features Mendelssohn’s characteristically flowing melodies throughout.
It is a work in which poignancy, beauty, and passion are intricately woven together.
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.
Variations in E-flat major, Op. 82, MWV U 158 — Theme: Andante assai espressivoFelix Mendelssohn
An elegant set of variations consisting of a theme and five variations.
Composed in July 1841, it bears the typical characteristics of the Romantic era while overflowing with profound emotional expression and delicate musicality.
The theme begins with a calm, expressively rich melody, followed by an ornamental first variation, a second variation characterized by harmonic changes, a lively third variation, and a quiet fourth variation.
In the fifth variation, the theme reappears, bringing the piece to a close with a beautiful afterglow.
With its approachable melody and a level of difficulty that can certainly be mastered through careful practice, this work is recommended for those who wish to explore Mendelssohn’s world or take on Romantic piano repertoire.
Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (91–100)
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.
