Felix Mendelssohn Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

The Lark, Op. 48 No. 4Felix Mendelssohn31rank/position

Mendelssohn “O Lark”

How gentle is the sound of your song, O lark, lifting me high into joy.

Let me sing with you, beat my wings beyond the clouds, and rise toward the sun; this is a translation of the original poem.

In Japanese: O lark, soaring high and light, what do you sing? You praise heaven’s grace and earth’s glory, you celebrate them in song.

The piece is being sung by the Itabashi Ward Mixed Chorus.

I’m not sure if they’re professional, but they are very skilled.

It’s a splendid canon (a musical round).

It is sung a cappella (without accompaniment).

If you like, try searching for “Lerchengesang Op.

48-4 Felix Mendelssohn” for videos.

There are several, each at a different tempo, and each with its own appeal.

Albumleaf, Op. 117Felix Mendelssohn32rank/position

Mendelssohn: Albumblatt in E Minor, Op. 117 (Daniel Barenboim)

Characteristic for its somewhat melancholic yet passionate atmosphere, this “Album Leaf” is a solo piano piece composed in 1837.

The modulation in the middle section, where the melody transforms into something gentler, is beautiful, and overall it’s a romantic work in which you can feel the emotions the composer poured into the music.

In practice, it may be difficult for beginners who are just getting used to the piano; it might require at least an intermediate-level player to tackle it.

In the main theme, the left hand continuously plays sextuplet accompaniment, so if you’re not used to it, it’s best to practice each hand separately at first.

In the aforementioned middle section, by contrast, the left hand mainly plays chordal harmonies while the right hand focuses on triplets—be mindful of this shift—and make sure you have a solid grasp of the dynamic markings as you work to express the piece in your own way!

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Ave Maria, Motet for 8 voices, Op. 23 No. 2Felix Mendelssohn33rank/position

Mendelssohn – Ave maria (op. 23 no. 2)

There is an Ave Maria composed in 1820 and another Ave Maria for mixed chorus and organ from 1830.

This is the one composed in 1830, a beautiful piece for eight voices.

The tenor begins by singing “Ave Maria,” followed by ensemble entries.

The middle section is a plea and prayer to Mary.

“Ave Maria” means “Hello, Mary,” or “Hail, Mary.” The structure of the piece is: Ave Maria (Andante) – Sancta Maria (con moto) – Ave Maria (Andante).

The Royal Church Ensemble performs it a cappella in eight parts.

At times, organ accompaniment may be used, or instruments such as clarinet, bassoon, cello, and double bass may be added.

Elias (Elia)Felix Mendelssohn34rank/position

Mendelssohn Elias, oratorio – op 70 Orchestre National de France 240p

An oratorio depicting the life of Elijah, a prophet from the Old Testament, and one of the signature works of German composer Felix Mendelssohn.

Premiered in Birmingham, England, in August 1846, it captivated an audience of more than 2,000.

Centered on the themes of God’s power and human faith, it portrays Elijah’s suffering and hope with dramatic intensity.

Its rich harmonies for chorus, soloists, and orchestra leave a deep impression on listeners.

Seamlessly blending Romantic emotional expression with Baroque tradition, this masterpiece is recommended for those new to classical music and for anyone seeking music with a moving, narrative quality.

Wedding March from the opera “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”Felix Mendelssohn35rank/position

Mendelssohn: Wedding March / Abbado · Berliner Philharmoniker

One of the most famous numbers from the incidental music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Based on the overture that the leading Romantic composer Felix Mendelssohn first wrote at the age of 17, it was completed in 1842.

While adopting a classical sonata form, it vividly depicts a fantastical world in music, expressing, for example, the fairies’ light movements and the braying of a donkey.

It became widely known after being performed at the wedding of a Prussian prince and an English princess, and today it is cherished as a wedding standard.

Its grand, romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for celebrating life’s new beginnings.

As one of Mendelssohn’s signature works, it is also highly recommended as an introduction to classical music.

Oratorio ‘Elijah’ Op. 70Felix Mendelssohn36rank/position

Mendelssohn | Elias Oratorium

It is a work performed through solo and choral singing that depicts the life of the prophet Elijah from the Old Testament Book of Kings.

The Book of Kings recounts the reigns of the successive rulers of the Kingdom of Israel, beginning with Solomon, the successor of David, and tells the story of the kingdom’s decline.

This piece is a highly popular oratorio known for fusing Baroque music with opera, inheriting Handel’s established style and sonorous choral writing.

Moving from lamentation and suffering to hope and overflowing joy, it resonates with Beethoven’s idea of “through suffering to joy.” Mendelssohn held Beethoven in great esteem.

Parts I and II together run 2 hours and 10 minutes.

As it is long, we recommend listening in sections.

From the oratorio “St. Paul,” Part I, No. 2: “Lord, Lord God”Felix Mendelssohn37rank/position

Mendelssohn – PAULUS – Nr.2 Chor “Herr, der du bist der Gott”

One piece from the oratorio St.

Paul is known as a masterpiece of sacred music.

Completed in 1836, this work is based on the life of the Apostle Paul.

Its majestic choruses—praising God’s greatness and compassion—are striking; while influenced by Bach, the piece shines with Mendelssohn’s unique Romantic sensibility.

A superb fusion of devout faith and musical talent, it is recommended not only for those interested in sacred music but also for classical music enthusiasts.

Its beautiful melodies, which convey a profound bond between the sacred and the human, are deeply cleansing to the soul.

Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64Felix Mendelssohn38rank/position

Ray Chen Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

One of the representative composers of the early Romantic era is Felix Mendelssohn.

While respecting the traditions of Classicism, he left many works rich in emotion.

Published in 1845, this piece is a masterpiece that fuses advanced violin technique with beautiful melody.

The passionate theme of the first movement and the gentle melody of the second movement captivate many listeners.

It is a work that conveys Mendelssohn’s unique delicacy and vitality.

Recommended for those who want to become familiar with classical music or savor the charm of the violin.

Loved across generations, this piece can be enjoyed by a wide audience.

Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, MWV O 14Felix Mendelssohn39rank/position

Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto — Perlman (vn)

Felix Mendelssohn is one of the foremost composers representing Germany in the first half of the 19th century.

His music is known for its unique style that, while inheriting the traditions of Classicism, also incorporates the sensibilities of Romanticism.

Among his works, the Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.

64, MWV O 14 is one of his masterpieces and is widely cherished as a work that fully draws out the violin’s allure.

The piece was born from Mendelssohn’s long-standing friendship with the violinist Ferdinand David.

Drawing on his own experience playing the violin, Mendelssohn demonstrates a writing style throughout that shows deep familiarity with the instrument’s characteristics.

The balance between lyrical melodies and dazzling virtuosity is exquisite, captivating listeners without fail.

It is a highly recommended piece for those who wish to revel in the violin’s beautiful sonority or experience a celebrated work of Romantic music.

Violin Concerto in D minor, MWV 03: I. Allegro moltoFelix Mendelssohn40rank/position

Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in D Minor, MWV O3 (Second Version) : I. Allegro molto

A Violin Concerto composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1822.

After Mendelssohn’s death, the score passed through various hands and was inherited by different people, but the very existence of the work was long forgotten.

It is a piece that combines fluid elegance with passionate intensity.

Please also pay attention to the virtuosic melodies of the violin solo!

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