Felix Mendelssohn is known for having shown exceptional musical talent as a child prodigy from an early age.He was an important composer who had an extremely significant impact on the 19th-century music world, including reviving the music of Bach.His music is romantic and evokes majestic scenes of nature.Here is a ranking of some of his most popular pieces.
Felix Mendelssohn Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
Seven Character Pieces, No. 5 in A major, “Earnestly, with increasing liveliness (Ernst und mit steigender Lebhaftigkeit),” Fugue, MWV U 60Felix Mendelssohn15rank/position
Mendelssohn: 7 Charakterstücke, Op. 7, No. 5 in A Major, MWV U 60 (Roberto Prosseda)
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.
Rondo Capriccioso in E major, Op. 14, MWV U 67 No. 1 AndanteFelix Mendelssohn16rank/position
Rondo capriccioso in E Major, Op. 14, MWV U67: Andante
Beginning with an elegant and lyrical Andante and unfolding into a light, delicate Presto, this work by Mendelssohn is a masterpiece whose original form was created when he was just fifteen.
In the Andante, a clear, beautiful melody is sung out, offering an approachable charm reminiscent of a Song Without Words.
The Presto brims with lively, airy passages, evoking an atmosphere as if spirits were dancing.
The piece is also accessible in terms of difficulty: its simple structure and beautiful melodies make it ideal for those new to classical music.
If you start practicing at a slow tempo, it becomes a wonderful work through which you can steadily feel your progress.
Songs Without Words, Book 4, Op. 53 No. 1 “By the Seashore”Felix Mendelssohn18rank/position
Barenboim plays Mendelssohn Songs Without Words Op.53 no.1 in A flat Major
A quiet, poetically rich piano piece that evokes the gentle swell of waves and the murmur of a sea breeze.
Written in A-flat major, it was published in 1841 as the first piece of Album ‘Songs Without Words’ Book 4.
Its graceful sound world, woven from transparent harmonies and a beautiful melody, makes you feel as if a seaside landscape is unfolding before your eyes.
Though simple, it demands delicate expressiveness; with slow, careful practice, it can certainly be mastered.
It is an ideal piece for those who wish to practice in a relaxed atmosphere or to refine their expressive skills.
Songs Without Words, Book VII, Op. 85 No. 4 “Elegy”Felix Mendelssohn19rank/position
MENDELSSOHN: Elegy (Op. 85, No. 4)
This Elegy is the fourth piece in Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, Book 7, Op.
85, published posthumously after his death.
In terms of difficulty, it is about the same level as the well-known Spring Song from the same collection: challenging for complete beginners, but quite manageable for those who have learned basic techniques.
A distinctive feature of this piece is the ornamental sixteenth notes; it is crucial not to play them with the same strength as the main melody, but to treat them as accompaniment—quietly, yet expressively.
Accidentals also appear fairly frequently, so make sure your score reading is solid, and practice slowly and carefully.
Songs Without Words, Book 8, Op. 102, No. 4, Zephyr (Breeze)Felix Mendelssohn20rank/position
Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words, Book 8 “Rustling Winds,” Op. 102-4, U162, 192, 195, 152, 194, 172 pf. Tomoya Umeda
Among Mendelssohn’s piano collections, the Songs Without Words are particularly famous.
“Breeze” (or “Zephyr”) is the fourth piece in Book 8 and is of roughly intermediate difficulty.
Its neat, beautiful melody tinged with a certain pathos makes it a piece you’ll surely want to try on the piano.
Pay special attention to the balance between the left hand’s broken chords, which rise from the lower to the upper register, and the right hand’s singing main melody.
Take care that the ornamental arpeggios in the right hand are not played with excessive force.
There are a fair number of accidentals, and the piece demands fine attention to details such as smooth slurs and sensitive pedaling.
Felix Mendelssohn Popular Song Rankings [2026] (21–30)
Three Fantasies or Caprices, Op. 16: No. 1 in A minor/A major, MWV U 70Felix Mendelssohn21rank/position
Three Fantasias, or Caprices, Op. 16 No. 1 in A minor
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.
