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!
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
- [Quartet] Masterpieces and Popular Pieces for String Quartet
- [Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
- Sibelius’s famous piece. Popular classical music.
- Brahms's masterpieces. Popular classical music.
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- Classical music by Japanese composers. Recommended classical music.
- Elgar’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
- [Haydn] Pick up famous and representative pieces!
- Masterpieces of classical piano that are too beautiful for words. A gathering of delicate tones that cleanse the soul.
- Robert Schumann | Introduction to his famous and representative works
- Pick up Beethoven’s famous and representative works!
Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (51–60)
Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62: No. 1 “May Breezes”Felix Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words by Felix Mendelssohn, a composer who epitomizes German Romanticism.
This piece, included in Book V of the collection, is a popular work noted for its gentle melody that evokes the coming of spring.
Mendelssohn was born on February 3, 1809, and despite his short life of just 38 years, he left many masterpieces.
The charm of this work lies in its main theme, interwoven with delicate ornamentation, which brings a sense of calm to the listener.
Holding an important place in piano education, this piece is ideal not only for improving technique but also for refining musical expression.
It’s a perfect recommendation for those who wish to unwind from a busy daily routine.
Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62: No. 5 “Venetian Boat Song No. 3”Felix Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words is a collection of pieces that aims to express emotion using only the piano, without words.
Consisting of eight volumes and 48 pieces, it includes the highly popular Venetian Boat Song, notable for its gentle, lilting rhythm that evokes the image of a gondola gliding through the canals of Venice.
There are three pieces titled Venetian Boat Song within Songs Without Words, and this is the last of them.
Composed in 1844 in A minor, it exudes an elegant yet wistful atmosphere.
It’s a recommended piece not only for fans of Romantic music but also for those who enjoy playing the piano.
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 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?
Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music (61–70)
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.
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61 (incidental music)Felix Mendelssohn
The works of Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer who represents the early Romantic era, are known for honoring the classical style while embracing the emotions and imagination of Romanticism.
Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op.
61, published in 1842, is especially famous for its Wedding March, which is widely beloved as background music for wedding ceremonies.
The piece is characterized by its brilliant, majestic melody, evoking the joyous cries of fairies and the happiness of lovers.
Why not enjoy this masterpiece—expressing Mendelssohn’s dreamlike world through elegant melody—on the piano as well?
Fantasia in F-sharp minor, Op. 28 “Scottish Sonata”Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn, a great composer beloved for his fantastical musical style, is especially familiar to intermediate pianists and wrote many works suited to their level.
One such piece is his Fantasia in F-sharp minor, Op.
28, the “Scottish Sonata.” Its allure lies in Mendelssohn’s signature brilliance, and the third movement offers an exquisitely romantic melody.
A key challenge is the rapid sextuplets at the beginning of the third movement.
Since both hands must articulate these figures, diligent practice is essential; however, because the passage contains many repeats, this piece is an excellent fit for intermediate classical pianists who are progressing and enjoy this repertoire.
