Felix Mendelssohn ： Songs Without Words Book2 The Brook in D-Dur MWV U 97 Op.30-5

Mendelssohn’s “The Brook” is a Song Without Words characterized by the brightness of D major and a delicate accompaniment that flows continuously like running water. The right-hand melody sings lightly, moving as a single line above the flowing accompaniment, while changes in sonority and expression create a sense of expansion along the way. A central point of interest is the balance between bringing out the main melody and keeping the smaller notes even. In performance, a flexible use of the wrists and fingers can keep the accompaniment light and clear, while natural breathing and subtle dynamic shaping in the melody bring out its transparent, fluid character. Rather than hurrying the tempo, it is important to feel the harmonic changes and connect the entire piece in one continuous breath.