Gondola Songs, from Songs Without Words

If one were to isolate a feature that distinguishes Venice from any other world capital, the canals would probably that feature. To this day, tourists flock there live according to the rhythm of the water, to ensconce themselves in a traditional gondola. Composers, too, have tried to capture the feel of the gondola in undulating musical rhythm—typically six-eight or some other triple pattern. Among his many Songs without Words, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47) composed three Gondola Songs. We hear two this evening interspersed among larger works: first, the Gondola Song in F-sharp minor, Op. 30 No. 6 for solo piano, and later one in G minor, Op. 19 No. 6 arranged for solo harp. Mendelssohn spent time in Venice during his Grand Tour (1830-32), and the Opus 19 collection was completed there. Both songs contain beautiful melodies, but the accompaniments that convey the boat’s motion are at least as memorable. The G minor work languishes in the darkness of that key, suggesting a funereal trip down the canal. By contrast, the F-sharp minor song converts its minor-mode pathos into a more energetic allure. From ardor to desolation, Mendelssohn managed to capture two aspects of Venice in music of simple grandeur.

(c) Jason Stell