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)
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.
Hymn No. 98: ‘Glory to God in the Highest’Felix Mendelssohn
Known as a quintessential hymn celebrating Christmas, this piece has a profound historical background.
The lyrics were written by Charles Wesley in 1739 and later revised by George Whitefield.
The melody was adapted from part of a cantata composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840.
In 1855, William H.
Cummings shaped it into the form we know today, leading to its wide popularization.
The hymn celebrates the reconciliation between God and humanity through the birth of Christ, the coming of peace and mercy, and the dawning of a new light of life.
Its beautiful melody and powerful message enhance the atmosphere of the holy night and deeply move listeners.
It is sung in many churches during the Christmas season and continues to be loved by Christians around the world.
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.
Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (111–120)
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.