Felix Mendelssohn’s Song Without Words Op.19 No.6

I’ve been learning Felix Mendelssohn’s Song Without Words Op.19 No.6. It’s also known as the “Venetian Gondola Song”. It’s a haunting piece that captivated me with its lyrical charm.

This is on the current grade 6 ABRSM Piano syllabus (2023/2024). I first fell in love with the piece when someone in my piano discord played it during our workshops and decided to learn it for myself.

About The Composer: Felix Mendelssohn

Felix Mendelssohn was a significant figure in the Romantic era of music. Known for his abilities as both a composer and a pianist, he made extensive contributions to the music world, creating works that continue to be celebrated today. The Songs Without Words, or Lieder ohne Worte, are among his most famous compositions.

Songs Without Words

Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words is a collection of 48 short, lyrical piano pieces. These pieces are characterised by their cantabile (song-like) melodies and simple ternary forms. Ternary form, a common musical structure, involves introducing a musical idea, developing or contrasting that idea in a middle section, and then restating the original theme, often with minor variations.

The Venetian Gondola Songs

Within the Songs Without Words, Mendelssohn wrote three pieces entitled “Venetian Gondola Song”. These pieces, which include the Op.19 No.6 song, share a distinctive trait: they all feature a gentle, rocking rhythm that is designed to evoke the sensation of a boat swaying on water.

Song Without Words Op.19 No.6

Op.19 No.6, written in G minor, is a particularly evocative example of a Venetian Gondola Song. Its minor tonality contributes to a melancholic atmosphere, while dynamic variations and rich harmonies infuse the piece with colour and life. The song’s reflective and subdued character makes it an ideal study for piano students looking to develop their tonal control and balance between hands.

Historical Context

Mendelssohn composed the Songs Without Words during a time when the piano was gaining popularity in Europe, particularly within middle-class households. As such, these pieces, which were accessible to pianists of varying skill levels, enjoyed widespread popularity.

The Legacy of Songs Without Words

Despite their popularity, some critics have undervalued the Songs Without Words due to their simplicity. However, these pieces have had a significant impact on the music world, influencing many composers, such as Charles-Valentin Alkan, Anton Rubinstein, Ignaz Moscheles, and Edvard Grieg, to create similar works.

Mendelssohn and the Piano Duet

Mendelssohn made piano duet arrangements of several of the Songs Without Words. These arrangements, which include the first song of Book 6 and all of Book 5, were presented to Queen Victoria in 1844. This shows Mendelssohn’s versatility as a composer and his willingness to explore different musical possibilities.

Interpretation and Performance

Interpretation plays a crucial role in performing the Songs Without Words. Mendelssohn himself resisted attempts to attach literal meanings to these songs, arguing that the music he loved was “too definite” to be put into words. This suggests that each performer may bring their unique interpretation to these pieces, adding to their enduring appeal.

Learning the piece

While learning the piece, the first part I struggled with was the number of chords and thirds throughout the piece. It required some getting used to before I could play these sections. Playing more than one note on both hands was something that needed a bit of memorising. I am sure that when I play this song even now, there are times when I don’t play all the notes I should be.

I adore the last part of the song, where it seems to repeat the first section but there’s a surprise d octave played. It’s delightful.

The dynamics and rubato on this piece are what really make it. I haven’t got this piece 100% how I would like it yet. I am learning it fully by memory which allows me to be more comfortable with the piece and more expressive.

Conclusion

Felix Mendelssohn’s Song Without Words Op.19 No.6 is a charming piece that showcases the composer’s ability to create music that is both simple and deeply expressive. By exploring this piece, we gain an appreciation for Mendelssohn’s musical genius and his lasting contribution to the world of music. While the Songs Without Words may be brief in length, they offer a wealth of musical richness that continues to captivate listeners and performers alike.

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