Song Without Words

A lyrical miniature that teaches the piano to sing without text.

The opening piece of Mendelssohn's celebrated Songs Without Words, it launched the whole genre and endears itself with a singing melody floating over flowing broken-chord accompaniment.

Maintaining a singing melody, murmuring accompaniment, and inner voices simultaneously demands late-intermediate voicing skill.

• Sing the melody line aloud to guide its long phrasing.
• Keep the broken-chord accompaniment soft and even beneath the tune.
• Balance the three layers so the inner harmony stays quietest.

The accompaniment must remain transparent beneath the melody.

Public-domain scores are usually available for this piece. Compare editions for fingering and layout before choosing one.

Public domain availability varies by country. Always confirm copyright rules where you live.