Felix Mendelssohn Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62 No. 1 ‘May Breezes’Felix Mendelssohn85rank/position

"May Breezes" from Songs Without Words, Book V (composed by Felix Mendelssohn) Pianist: Kanako Ishihara [Piano Solo] : May Breezes (Felix Mendelssohn) Kanako Ishihara

“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.

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Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62: No. 5 “Venetian Boat Song No. 3”Felix Mendelssohn86rank/position

Barenboim plays Mendelssohn Songs Without Words Op.62 no.5 in A Minor – Venetian Gondellied

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 5, Op. 62, No. 6: “Spring Song”Felix Mendelssohn87rank/position

Felix Mendelssohn – Song without words, Op. 62 No. 6 “Spring Song” [Complete] (Piano Solo)

Songs Without Words is a collection of short pieces for solo piano, comprising eight volumes and forty-eight pieces in total.

Among them, No.

6 from Book 5, “Spring Song,” is distinguished by its light, joy-filled melody that evokes the arrival of spring.

With a lively and bright character, it musically depicts the beauty of nature and the breath of spring.

In addition to piano, it has been arranged for other instruments such as violin and flute, and is enjoyed in a wide variety of performance settings.

It’s recommended not only for fans of classical music, but also for anyone looking to enjoy pleasant music during the spring season.

Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62 No. 5, No. 3: “Venetian Boat Song”Felix Mendelssohn88rank/position

Mendelssohn: Venetian Boat Song No. 3 [04_Dark and Sad Sheet Music with Commentary – Classical Piano Piece]

This is a piece from Felix Mendelssohn’s celebrated collection of piano miniatures, the masterpiece “Lieder ohne Worte” Op.

62.

The 6/8 accompaniment in the left hand deftly depicts a gondola gliding along the canals of Venice, while the right hand sings a melody like a plaintive song echoing over the water.

Its appeal lies in the way it conveys a poised dignity and elegance within sorrow, rather than being merely dark.

Published in 1844, this set is dedicated to Clara Schumann.

It is recommended for those times when you don’t want to force yourself to feel cheerful, but instead wish to surrender to this beautiful melody and savor the sensation of quietly sinking into the depths of your heart.

Spring Song from Songs Without WordsFelix Mendelssohn89rank/position

Mendelssohn — Spring Song

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.

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A Midsummer Night’s DreamFelix Mendelssohn90rank/position

Mendelssohn: Complete Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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, Op. 21: OvertureFelix Mendelssohn91rank/position

Stage@Seven: Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Ouverture) – Andrés Orozco-Estrada

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy by Shakespeare with the same title.

Set in ancient Athens, it features a stubborn father determined to marry his daughter off to the man he chose, the daughter who loves someone else, and the father plotting to have his disobedient child executed.

There’s also the daughter’s best friend and her lover.

The fairy king Oberon uses a love potion in a whirlwind of slapstick to somehow bring two pairs of lovers together, and the story ends happily with their weddings.

Mendelssohn wrote the incidental music for this drama—11 (or 12) pieces including intermezzi and a scherzo—with the drama beginning with the Overture.

Since Frederick Ashton’s 1964 choreography, it has been performed as a ballet.

The complete music runs about 50 minutes; to start, please listen to the opening Overture.