The origins of this piece are as a Venetian song about gondolas (boats) and gondoliers (those steering and propelling the boats). Themes often express Show More...
The origins of this piece are as a Venetian song about gondolas (boats) and gondoliers (those steering and propelling the boats). Themes often expressed by gondoliers do tend to be about the romantic side of life. The words barcarola or barcarolle are used to describe the folk songs sung by Venetian gondoliers and they are usually in 6/8 time and played at a moderate tempo featuring a rhythmic pattern reminiscent of the gondolier’s stroke. Romantic composers were particularly fond of composing barcarolles and Mendelssohn’s “Song without Words” feature several. This is an improver level arrangement for solo keyboard or piano sounding in the key of G with the realisation playing back at a tempo of 60 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. This is an excellent performance piece because the melody is appealing and familiar. Time spent listening to recordings of this melody particularly by singers will help players learn how to approach a musical performance. The first verse is a fairly straightforward two part version of the song and then in the second version or repeat the texture is more complicated intending to stretch the player. The music editor is keen on keyboard and piano players returning to a piece of music that can clearly demonstrate evidence of progression. Close
