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)
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. 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.
Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (101–110)
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 II, Op. 30, No. 6 “Venetian Boat Song”Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer known for his graceful melodies and delicate emotional expression.
This piece from his celebrated Songs Without Words is a gem that paints the beautiful scenery of Venice in music.
Published in 1835, it was composed to celebrate the birth of Mendelssohn’s sister Fanny’s son.
Over an accompaniment that evokes the gentle sway of a gondola, the piano’s elegant melody vividly depicts a Venetian night.
It’s recommended not only for lovers of Romantic music but also for anyone seeking solace in tender, soothing tones.
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.