Felix Mendelssohn ： Songs Without Words Book8 Faith in C-Dur MWV U 172 Op.102-6

This Song Without Words is built around a simple, singing melody supported by a gentle accompaniment. Vocal-style phrases are passed along as the music unfolds, creating quiet contrasts through the presentation and expansion of the melody. One of its chief attractions lies in drawing expressive nuance from limited melodic movement without relying on elaborate decoration. In performance, the right-hand melody should be shaped with natural breaths, while the left hand provides a soft support without overemphasizing the beat. Avoid allowing the ends of phrases to fade too hastily, listen carefully to the harmonic changes, and keep the pedal clear. Carefully portraying the inward calm and restrained dynamic changes brings out the beauty of its unadorned melody.