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Home > Mendelssohn, Felix > 7 Charakteristische Stücke

Mendelssohn, Felix : 7 Charakteristische Stücke Op.7 U 44, 55, 56, 59-62

Work Overview

Music ID : 1112
Composition Year:1827 
Publication Year:1828
First Publisher:Laue, Berlin
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:26 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Wada, Mayuko

Last Updated: October 1, 2007
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Composed between 1827 and 1829. Dedicated to his piano teacher, L. Berger. It features many contrapuntal techniques, showing a strong influence from Bach.

1. Gently and with Feeling, E minor / Op. 7-1 "Sanft und mit Empfindung"

A melancholic melody reminiscent of Bach is sung gently and with emotion. Being in four voices, one should be mindful of the movement of each voice part and, while paying attention to balance, play the main melody with ample expression.

2. With Intense Movement, B minor / Op. 7-2 "Mit heftiger Bewegung"

From the beginning, sixteenth notes move intensely across wide intervals, but it is necessary to bring out the main melodic lines. The repetition of the same figuration builds tension, but here, care must be taken to avoid the performance becoming patterned. It would be good to devise the use of energy and breathing timing in accordance with the phrasing.

3. Powerfully and Fiery, D major / Op. 7-3 "Kraftig und feurig"

Fugue technique is employed. Although written in multiple voices, it is relatively easy to play because the notes often move by chords. For chords, attention should be paid not only to horizontal movement but also to the vertical balance of intervals.

4. Fast and Agile, A major / Op. 7-4 "Schnell und beweglich"

The opening sixteenth notes should be played quickly and lightly with a detached touch. The middle section, in contrast, develops powerfully with marcato, creating a spacious sound.

5. Fugue - Seriously, with Increasing Vivacity, A major / Op. 7-5 "Fuge - Ernst und mit steigender Lebhaftigkeit"

This is the longest of the seven pieces, requiring just under eight minutes of performance time. As Mendelssohn titled it, it is written using fugal technique. The piece progresses calmly, with the theme imitated in each voice. In the first half, long notes are prominent, but as they are diminished, the piece gradually gains vitality. The end transitions entirely to chordal movement, closing the piece powerfully.

6. Full of Longing, E minor / Op. 7-6 "Sehnsuchtig"

Written in four voices, a melancholic melody is sung quietly and richly. Enriching the inner voices would allow for a more musical expression.

7. Light and Airy, E major / Op. 7-7 "Leicht und luftig"

A piece with a brightness contrasting with the sixth piece. From the beginning, eighth notes are played very lightly by alternating hands. The frequent key changes also add to the piece's interest. A charming and endearing miniature, characteristic of Mendelssohn.

Writer: Wada, Mayuko

Movements (7)

"Sanft und mit Empfindung" Op.7-1 U 44

Key: e-moll  Total Performance Time: 3 min 00 sec 

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"Mit heftiger Bewegung" Op.7-2 U 55

Key: h-moll  Total Performance Time: 2 min 00 sec 

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"Kraftig und feurig" Op.7-3 U 56

Key: D-Dur  Total Performance Time: 3 min 30 sec 

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"Schnell und beweglich" Op.7-4 U 59

Key: A-Dur  Total Performance Time: 3 min 30 sec 

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"Fuge - Ernst und mit steigender Libhaftigkeit" Op.7-5 U 60

Key: A-Dur  Total Performance Time: 7 min 30 sec 

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"Sehnsuchtig" Op.7-6 U 61

Key: e-moll  Total Performance Time: 3 min 00 sec 

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"Leicht und luftig" Op.7-7 U 62

Key: E-Dur  Total Performance Time: 4 min 00 sec 

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