Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809 –
1847), born and widely known as Felix Mendelssohn, was
a German composer, pianist, organist and conductor of
the early romantic period. Mendelssohn wrote
symphonies, concertos, oratorios, piano music and
chamber music. His best-known works include his
Overture and incidental music for A Midsummer Night's
Dream, the Italian Symphony, the Scottish Symphony, the
overture The Hebrides, his mature Violin Concerto, and
his String Octet. His Songs With...(+)
Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809 –
1847), born and widely known as Felix Mendelssohn, was
a German composer, pianist, organist and conductor of
the early romantic period. Mendelssohn wrote
symphonies, concertos, oratorios, piano music and
chamber music. His best-known works include his
Overture and incidental music for A Midsummer Night's
Dream, the Italian Symphony, the Scottish Symphony, the
overture The Hebrides, his mature Violin Concerto, and
his String Octet. His Songs Without Words are his most
famous solo piano compositions. After a long period of
relative denigration due to changing musical tastes and
antisemitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
his creative originality has been re-evaluated. He is
now among the most popular composers of the romantic
era.
The eight volumes of Songs Without Words, each
consisting of six "songs" (Lieder), were written at
various points throughout Mendelssohn's life, and were
published separately. The piano became increasingly
popular in Europe during the early nineteenth century,
when it became a standard item in many middle-class
households. The pieces are within the grasp of pianists
of various abilities and this undoubtedly contributed
to their popularity. This great popularity has caused
many critics to under-rate their musical value. He
composed Book 4 (Opus 53) between 1839–41
Book III is a collection of miniatures containing some
of the composer's most lyrical and songful piano
pieces:
"The Evening Star" (Con Moto). The title was not given
by Mendelssohn, but by Steven Heller. The song fails to
inspire, and lacks character. It continues through in a
sweet and always warm voice. It fails to climax at any
given point, but continues to hold the same rhythm and
stride throughout the entire song. It does carry the
ability to relax, but never sways, and goes directly
into the final diminuendo.
"Lost Happiness" (Allegro non troppo). This is an
attractive piece. There are three distinctive voices
heard as melody, bass, and accompaniment. Each voice
receiving a turn, as the others fade in the background
as the quiet voices. It does have a theme of repetition
and comes across as weak.
"The Poets Harp" (Presto e molto vivace). Technically,
this piece requires practice with the sustain pedal.
It's a bright and cheerful song that is a pleasure to
play. Its quickness allows more of the melody to come
through, and in its end, makes it equally enjoyable to
listen to.
"Hope" (Andante) is more of a choral style, as it
offers no assistance of an accompaniment. The Voices
are all heard evenly, and sung in time to the chords.
No. 4 in book 1, as well as no 3. In book 2 seem so
familiar to this piece. It's a colorful song, but lacks
luster.
"Passion"(Agitato). Extremely well represented. With
each emotion that Mendelssohn dictates, the harmony of
the key changes. Grief for example is met with the
minor key. At certain points, the piece explodes and
then is subdued. Technically, the high end of the right
hand carries the melody. At the same time, the left
hand is in constant use as Staccato notes dot the bass
lines. The bass lines meld the song together to create
this masterpiece.
"Duet" (Andante con moto). Two voices are continually
heard speaking back and forth as though in a casual
conversation. At times, the voices meld together as if
in agreement. Although this is certainly one of
Mendelssohn's greater compositions, it was later that
he was able to improve this piece with Prelude in A
Flat. Considered to be a love song as Felix composed
this soon after meeting his soon to be wife,
Cecile.
Source: AllMusic
(https://www.allmusic.com/composition/songs-without-wor
ds-6-for-piano-book-3-op-38-mc0002393325 ).
Although originally composed for Piano, I created this
Interpretation of the "Lost Happiness" from "Lieder
ohne Worte" (Op. 38 No. 2) for Bb Clarinet & Strings (2
Violins, Viola & Cello).
SHEET MUSIC