Exploring Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Works: A Journey from Late Intermediate to Advanced

Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847), a master of both Romantic expressiveness and Classical form, offers a rich and varied repertoire for pianists. His piano music ranges from charming, lyrical pieces to highly virtuosic works, combining Romantic beauty with Classical structure.
In this guide, we’ll explore Mendelssohn’s Children’s Pieces, Songs Without Words, Preludes and Fugues, and Variations, ideal for pianists between level 7 to 10 and above.

---

1. Six Children’s Pieces, Op. 72

Published posthumously, Mendelssohn’s Six Children’s Pieces are perfect for late intermediate to early advanced students. Though written for children, these pieces are full of mature musical expression and technical challenges.

Selected Children’s Pieces

• Allegro non troppo, Op. 72 No. 1 (Level 7)
  • Hymn-like, singing tone quality
  • Requires clear inner voicing
  • Attention to rhythmical patterns and phrasing for both hands
• Andante sostenuto, Op. 72 No. 2 (Level 8)
  • Lyrical right-hand melody supported by flowing left-hand patterns
  • Emphasis on expressive phrasing
• Andante con moto, Op. 72 No. 4 (Level 9)
  • Complex voicing within the right hand
  • Requires holding left-hand bass notes while shaping the melody

---

2. Songs Without Words

Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words (Lieder ohne Worte) are among his most famous and beloved piano compositions.
Spanning eight volumes with six pieces each, these works range from level 8 to 10 in difficulty and embody the essence of Romantic piano music.

Selected Songs Without Words

• Op. 19 No. 1 in E Major (Level 9)
  • Features broken chord arpeggios in both hands
  • Important to voice the top note beautifully
  • Focus on phrasing and shaping the musical line
• Op. 19 No. 3 in A Major – "Hunting Song" (Level 9)
  • Energetic, full of chords and octaves
  • Similar rhythmic patterns in both hands
  • Bright and vigorous character
• Op. 19 No. 6 in G Minor – "Venetian Gondola Song" (Level 8)
  • Depicts the gentle rocking of a gondola with a flowing accompaniment
  • Essential to balance hands to highlight the melody
  • Careful pedal use for smooth phrasing

---

3. Six Preludes and Fugues, Op. 35

Mendelssohn’s Preludes and Fugues, Op. 35, blend Baroque counterpoint with Romantic lyricism, showcasing his deep admiration for J.S. Bach.

Selected Preludes and Fugues

• Prelude and Fugue in E Minor, Op. 35 No. 1 (Level 9-10)
  • Étude-like prelude with rapid arpeggios
  • Fugue emphasizes a single-note inner melody supported by flowing accompaniment
• Prelude and Fugue in F Minor, Op. 35 No. 5 (Level 9-10)
  • Single-note melody line combined with chordal accompaniment
  • Complex four-voiced fugue requiring refined voicing skills

---

4. Variations Sérieuses, Op. 54

Variations Sérieuses, Op. 54, stands as one of Mendelssohn’s most significant contributions to solo piano repertoire.
This masterwork, consisting of an original theme, seventeen variations, and a coda, is suited for advanced pianists (Level 10 and above).

Highlights of Variations Sérieuses

• Combines virtuosic technique with dramatic expression
• Features rapid passagework, arpeggios, rich chordal textures, and lyrical singing lines
• Requires complicated voicing and mature musical phrasing

This piece is often considered a benchmark for pianists aiming to develop Romantic virtuosity and expressiveness.

---

Characteristics of Mendelssohn’s Piano Music

• Blend of Classical form and Romantic expressiveness
• Clear melodic lines with lyrical phrasing
• Emphasis on voicing, especially balancing melody within the texture
• Frequent use of arpeggios, broken chords, and rapid passages
• Strong influence of Baroque counterpoint in more advanced works
• Pieces available from late intermediate to advanced level (7-10+)

---

Why Study Mendelssohn’s Piano Works?

Mendelssohn’s piano music is an essential part of developing both technical proficiency and musical maturity. His pieces challenge pianists to:

• Master expressive voicing and line shaping
• Balance lyrical phrasing with technical clarity
• Navigate both Romantic color and Classical structure

Whether you are preparing for a recital, competition, or personal enrichment, Mendelssohn’s piano works offer a rewarding journey full of beauty, emotion, and technical growth.

---