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 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.
Songs Without Words, Book 7, Op. 85, No. 4, ElegyFelix Mendelssohn
This Elegy is the fourth piece in Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, Book 7, Op.
85, which was published posthumously.
In terms of difficulty, it is about the same level as the famous Spring Song from the same collection.
While it may be challenging for complete beginners, anyone who has learned basic techniques should be able to handle it.
A key feature of this piece is the ornamental sixteenth notes: they should not be played as strongly as the main melody but rather quietly, as accompaniment, while still shaping them expressively.
Accidentals also appear fairly frequently, so be sure to read the score thoroughly and practice slowly and carefully.
Songs Without Words, Book 8, Op. 102, No. 4, Zephyr (Breeze)Felix Mendelssohn
Among Mendelssohn’s piano collections, the Songs Without Words are particularly famous and are considered relatively approachable; there are 48 pieces in total, so the level of difficulty varies somewhat from piece to piece.
This “Breeze” is included as No.
4 in Songs Without Words, Book 8, and falls at an intermediate level of difficulty.
Its neat, beautiful melody tinged with a certain pathos makes you want to try it on the piano.
The left hand generally provides an accompaniment of broken chords that ascend from the bottom upward, so special attention should be paid to the balance with the right hand, which carries the main melody.
In the right hand, arpeggios appear ornamentally alongside the melody; be careful not to apply too much force.
There are a fair number of accidentals, and rather than calling for advanced virtuosity, the piece demands fine attention to details such as smooth slurring and pedal usage.
Aim for a performance that is delicate yet has a strong presence!
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.
Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (111–120)
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.
