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)
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.
Six Pieces for Children (Christmas Album), Op. 72: No. 2 in E-flat major, Andante sostenuto, MWV U 170Felix Mendelssohn
Composed as a gift for children at Christmas in 1842, Mendelssohn’s piano miniature is enveloped in a gentle, tender atmosphere.
Written in E-flat major, it features a delicate touch and refined harmonic progressions, and despite its brief length of 42 measures, it conveys a profound musicality.
Set at a relaxed Andante sostenuto tempo, its warmly expressive melody has a soothing charm.
Among the six pieces in this collection, it is particularly approachable, making it an ideal work for those just beginning piano study or for listeners interested in Romantic-era music.
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.
Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19: No. 2, RegretFelix Mendelssohn
The A minor piece included in Book I of “Lieder ohne Worte” is a work of deeply affecting beauty.
Unfolding at a gentle andante tempo, its melody envelops a tender sadness, while the accompaniment—simple yet effective—conveys profound emotion.
Published in London in 1832, the piece succeeds in expressing feeling through music alone, without words, distilling the allure of the Romantic piano miniature.
Despite appearances, the score is more approachable than it looks; built on simple harmonic progressions, it is definitely playable with slow, careful practice.
It’s a highly recommended piece for those who wish to play with a calm demeanor and an honest, unadorned sensibility.
Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19, No. 4: A Secret ConversationFelix Mendelssohn
This is a gentle miniature whose calm, graceful melody seeps into the heart.
Written in 1830, the piece lets its melody flow as if singing, giving the impression of confiding a secret feeling to someone.
It’s approachable for anyone who can read music, built from a simple left-hand accompaniment and a richly expressive right-hand melody.
Its charm lies in a slow tempo that unfolds like storytelling, and despite having no lyrics, it carries abundant emotional expression.
It’s an excellent choice for those who wish to savor the elegance of Romantic music or refine their expressive touch.
Why not take your time, enjoy the tranquil passage of time, and practice it with care?