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 (31–40)
Songs Without Words, Book VII, Op. 85, No. 4 “Elegy”Felix Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words, left to us by the genius German Romantic composer Felix Mendelssohn.
One piece included in its Book 7 is a serene masterpiece that depicts profound emotion.
Born in 1809, Mendelssohn began composing at the age of just five and demonstrated precocious talent, even reviving Bach’s St.
Matthew Passion at twenty.
This work is a piano miniature that weaves a story without words.
Its world of delicate melodies and intricate ornaments speaks directly to the listener’s heart.
Perfect for those who wish to express calm yet deep feeling.
Piano enthusiasts, do give it a try.
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 ‘The Zephyr’Felix Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words, left by Felix Mendelssohn, a composer emblematic of German Romanticism.
This collection of 48 short piano pieces in eight volumes was written between 1829 and 1845.
Among them, one piece included in the eighth volume is a masterpiece that, though gentle, demands richly expressive playing.
Its delicate arpeggios and broken chords in the left hand weave a beautiful melody that seems to depict scenes of nature.
Though there are no lyrics, it brings a sense of calm and comfort to listeners.
It’s a recommended piece not only for piano enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in classical music.
Why not let yourself be captivated by its elegant strains?
Barcarolle No. 2 in F-sharp minor from Songs Without Words, Book IIFelix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer who left behind many delicate and graceful works, is especially known for his collection of short piano pieces called Songs Without Words.
The collection is divided into eight volumes, and the melancholy melody of Venetian Boat Song No.
2 in F-sharp minor, included in the second volume, is a celebrated piece that brings tears to the eyes.
Although all 48 pieces have titles, Mendelssohn himself named only five of them.
Venetian Boat Song No.
2 in F-sharp minor is one of those and is cherished as an exceptionally beautiful and striking work among the Songs Without Words.
On Wings of SongFelix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn, a German Romantic composer known for his delicate music—he’s famous for pieces like the Wedding March, of course.
Among Mendelssohn’s works that beginners and intermediate pianists can tackle without too much difficulty, my top recommendation is On Wings of Song.
While it doesn’t have the complexity of pieces by Beethoven or Brahms, it delivers a high level of musical impact, and its blissful melody brings a sense of peace to listeners.
If you’re looking for a beautiful piano piece that’s both accessible to listen to and to play, give this work a try.
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 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!
Three Fantasies or Caprices, Op. 16: No. 1 in A minor/A major, MWV U 70Felix Mendelssohn
This is an emotionally rich piano miniature written in the summer of 1829.
It features an introspective melody that begins Andante and a lively Allegro vivace section that leaves a strong impression.
The opening calls for lyrical, elegant expression, while the middle section unfolds with vibrant, brilliant passages full of momentum.
With its classical structure beautifully balanced by Romantic sensibilities, and its melodic appeal, the piece is both approachable and comfortable to play.
With steady practice it is a work you can certainly master, making it a recommended choice for piano enthusiasts.
Seven Character Pieces, No. 5 in A major, “Earnestly, with increasing liveliness (Ernst und mit steigender Lebhaftigkeit),” Fugue, MWV U 60Felix Mendelssohn
Written in A major, this piece is a gentle, soothing work included in the album “Seven Character Pieces.” While it begins with a sincere atmosphere, its structure gradually gains vitality, evoking the warmth of a rising sun.
Composed in 1827, it is a refined work in which an elegant melody and skillful construction are in harmony.
Although it adopts the form of a fugue, its soft expression avoids any sense of stiffness.
The development, like small waves swelling into a large surge, naturally captures the listener’s heart.
Technically, there are few difficult passages, and with slow, steady practice, one can truly appreciate the beauty of the music.
Seven Character Pieces, No. 6 in E minor “Sehnsüchtig (Full of Longing)”, Andante, MWV U 61Felix Mendelssohn
This short piece in E minor unfolds from the very beginning with a beautiful, chant- or song-like melody, delicately portraying a feeling of longing imbued with quiet passion.
Written by Felix Mendelssohn around the age of eighteen, it is notable for its transparent sonorities and subtle shifts in nuance.
The calmly paced melodic line is filled with the expressive richness and poetic quality characteristic of Romantic music, making it one of the most popular numbers in a set of seven short pieces composed around 1827.
Serene in atmosphere yet expressing a poignant ache beneath the surface, this work is recommended for those seeking a piece that can be played at a relaxed tempo, as well as for anyone wishing to experience the allure of Romantic music.