Song Without Words, Op. 30 No. 1

History

Mendelssohn's second book of Songs Without Words appeared in spring 1835. This song opens its sequence of six pieces. The spring publication is a milestone for the collection, not a securely documented composition date for No. 1. Keeping the book and its individual songs distinct lets us tell the publication story without giving the music a false birthday.

Sources

• enc.piano.or.jp
• henle.de

What to listen for

1. 1

   A song within layered voices

   The opening contour sits within a layered texture. Listen for the singing shape while keeping its supporting movement audible.

2. 2

   Two endings take different routes

   The first and second endings make different continuations possible. Hear the distinction between a return route and a response that carries onward.

3. 3

   The opening comes back changed

   Opening material is recalled with transformed layering. Recognise the familiar shape without expecting the surrounding voices to remain identical.

4. 4

   A closing extension remembers the opening

   The extended ending recalls the opening contour before the last chord. Hear how that familiar shape helps the longer phrase settle.

How to practise it

Bring out the late-entering melody above broken support.

1. Practise the broken patterns softly, then add the short bass notes before the melody.
2. Connect the examined opening at a comfortable tempo only when its separate layers feel settled.

How hard is it

About this piece

Collection

Small scenes, big imagination

Licence

CC0

Source

musescore.com

More by Felix Mendelssohn

1. 1Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 85 No. 1Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
2. 2Venetian Gondola Song, Op. 30 No. 6Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
3. 3Scherzo in E minor, Op. 16 No. 2Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro