Piano Recital: Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words

Xenia E. Zilli
Jan 17
2 min read

Updated: Jan 18

For this year’s romantic piano concert, I have prepared a true feast for you: I begin my 2026 concert year with one of my most cherished programs, Songs Without Words by Felix Mendelssohn. He has always been a composer very close to my heart, and over the past year his music has taken on a particularly meaningful role in my life and artistic journey.

In their seeming simplicity, these pieces conceal a world of depth. Mendelssohn speaks where words fall silent, weaving delicate stories of beauty and purity, touched by a tender, almost childlike playfulness. His music moves gently yet speaks profoundly, reminding us of the grace found in sincerity and the joy hidden in small, fleeting moments.

As these melodies open my concert year, may they carry us into the months ahead with open hearts—inviting wonder, softness, and a renewed sense of connection through music.

Songs Without Words is a series of short lyrical piano works divided to eight volumes each consisting of six ‘songs’ written between 1829 and 1845.

PROGRAMME

Op. 19b

1. Andante con moto E major

2. Andante espressivo A minor

6. Andante sostenuto: "Venetian Boat Song No. 1" G minor

Op. 30

1. Andante espressivo E♭ major

6. Allegretto tranquillo: "Venetian Boat Song No. 2" F♯ minor

Op. 38

1. Con moto E♭ major

3. Presto e molto vivace E major

4. Andante A major

6. Andante con moto: "Duet"A♭ major

Op. 53

1. Andante con moto A♭ major

2. Allegro non troppo E♭ major

4. Adagio F major

5. Allegro con fuoco: "Folksong" A minor

Op. 62

1. Andante espressivo G major

5. Andante con moto: "Venetian Boat Song No. 3" A minor

Op. 67

2. Allegro leggiero F♯ minor

6. Allegro non troppo: "Bee's Wedding" E major

Op. Posth. 85

4. Andante sostenuto D major

Op. Posth. 102

2. Adagio D major

4. Un poco agitato, ma andante G minor

6. Andante C major

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