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!
Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (111–120)
Violin ConcertoFelix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto — Perlman (vn)
This is the Violin Concerto by the German composer Mendelssohn, who produced numerous works including piano pieces and concertos.
Alongside the works of Beethoven and Brahms, it is considered one of the three great violin concertos.
Many people will recognize the opening of the first movement, where the violin’s melody combines both power and poignancy.
The violin’s tone, which conveys strength that resonates deep within the body as well as delicate nuance, is sure to reach the baby in the womb as well.
Six Pieces for Children, Op. 72 No. 1Felix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn: Six Children’s Pieces, Op. 72, U171, G major, Pf. Rintaro Akamatsu
For Mendelssohn pieces suitable for children and easy for beginners to play, the options are Songs Without Words or Six Children’s Pieces.
As the title suggests, Six Children’s Pieces is a staple piano collection for children’s studies.
Its difficulty is around the sonatina level, making it approachable, and it’s also recommended for adults who are starting piano and want to try playing Romantic-era music.
The piece introduced here is No.
1 from Six Children’s Pieces, characterized by an elegant waltz rhythm and phrases that make extensive use of staccato.
It’s a short work of about one minute with few accidentals, and as long as you have the basic techniques down, even early-stage players should manage well.
Keep the staccato light and crisp, and be careful not to press too hard.
Mendelssohn: Wedding March / Abbado · Berliner Philharmoniker
When people hear “Wedding March,” many probably think of this piece.
It’s a movement from Mendelssohn’s incidental music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is based on Shakespeare’s play of the same name.
Beginning with a resounding trumpet fanfare and growing increasingly majestic, the music perfectly embodies the splendor and noble atmosphere of a wedding.
From the Motets, No. 1 “Lord, Come” Op. 39-1Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn – Veni Domine Op. 39/1
During his trip to Rome, Mendelssohn stayed near the Trinità dei Monti convent for nuns, located at the top of the Spanish Steps.
Attending the convent’s Mass every day, he heard the soft, plaintive, beautiful voices of the nuns—who, at the time, did not appear before the public—singing from behind the scenes.
Moved to write something for them, he composed motets (music for the Divine Office) for the nuns.
Mendelssohn remarked, “Though we do not know each other’s faces, what a delight it is to hear them sing sacred music composed by me, a barbaric German.” Perhaps owing to lingering resentment from the Migration Period, Italians and other Latin peoples of the time regarded Germans as barbarians.
Thus the beautiful first piece, sung in Latin, came to be composed.
String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 87Felix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn: String Quintet Op 87 B flat major (1845) Simonen,Bowman,Camille,Dann,Karttunen
Mendelssohn composed his String Quintet No.
1 in 1826—he was 17 at the time.
String Quintet No.
2 dates from 1845, when he was 36.
Thirty-six might seem young, but since Mendelssohn died at 38, the Second Quintet counts as a work from his final years.
Interestingly, the Second, written when he was older than for the First, feels more vibrant and youthful, brimming with energy.
Here, I’ve chosen the Second Quintet: a live performance from the 15th International Chamber Music Festival in 2013, performed by Sini Simonen, Benjamin Bowman, Michel Camille, Steven Dann, and Anssi Karttunen.
Andante and the Brilliant AllegroFelix Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn: Andante & Allegro Brilliante – Lucas & Arthur Jussen
Felix Mendelssohn, known as the composer of the wordless songs Songs Without Words, also wrote a four-hand piano piece titled Andante and Brilliant Allegro.
Although it is not particularly well-known among duet repertoire, it is a work frequently featured in concerts.
This elegant piece showcases the delicacy, beautiful flow, and refined sonorities characteristic of Mendelssohn’s music, yet it is a duet for advanced players that demands a high level of technique.
Practice carefully and steadily until you have enough confidence and freedom to sense each other’s breathing.
