Mendelssohn's Hidden Gems: 'Six Children's Pieces,' Op. 72

Dec 23, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809–1847) is celebrated for his vibrant Italian Symphony, the soaring Violin Concerto in E minor, and his evocative overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream. Yet, tucked away in his catalogue are works of profound intimacy and charm—pieces that reveal the composer's gift for miniature, lyrical expression. Among these are the Six Children's Pieces, Op. 72, a set of piano works that are far more sophisticated than their unassuming title suggests.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59iz1jMJ2Ko

The title page of the 1849 edition features the inscription "Six Pieces for the PianoForte, composed as a Christmas Present for my Young Friends." Below are two covers from 1849 and 1870. These editions can be found on IMSLP.org (link below).

Composed in the final years of Mendelssohn's life (around 1842-1847), these pieces are not simple exercises, but rather exquisite character pieces. They act as a wonderful bridge for students and listeners, connecting the clarity of the Classical era with the expressive depth of the Romantic period.

The Character of the Kinderstücke

The collection comprises six short pieces, each capturing a distinct mood or "character." While they may have been originally intended as instructional material for the children of his friends, they quickly established themselves as staple repertoire for developing pianists; and as delightful encore pieces for professionals.

Piece No.	TQ Level (Grade)	Key	Tempo Marking	Character or Mood
No. 1	Level 9 (Grade 6)	G Major	Allegro non troppo	Lively, playful, requires light staccato.
No. 2	Level 9 (Grade 6)	E-flat Major	Andante sostenuto	Lyrical, sustained song without words.
No. 3	Level 9 (Grade 6)	G Major	Allegretto	Flowing, delicate, often described as a 'murmuring' stream.
No. 4	Level 10 (Grade 7)	D Major	Andante con moto	Simple, hymn-like, focusing on chordal control.
No. 5	Level 11 (Grade 8)	G Minor	Allegro assai	Energetic, dramatic, contrasting light and dark.
No. 6	Level 11 (Grade 8)	F Major	Vivace	Bright, virtuosic finale, a true display of joy.

Why Op. 72 Matters for Piano Students

For the aspiring pianist, Mendelssohn's Op. 72 offers invaluable lessons that go beyond mere finger dexterity:

1. The Art of Legato and Voicing

Pieces like the No. 2 in E-flat Major (Andante sostenuto) demand an exquisite, unbroken legato—the "singing touch" so crucial to Romantic repertoire. The right hand often carries a melody within a chordal texture, requiring the pianist to voice the top line clearly above the inner notes. This technique, the projection of a melodic thread, is the cornerstone of expressive piano playing.

2. Mastering the Pedal

The pedal must be used judiciously to support the sustained tone (sostenuto) without sacrificing clarity. These pieces teach the crucial skill of changing the pedal precisely with harmonic shifts, a refinement that distinguishes a competent performance from a musical one. For example, in the arpeggiated section of No. 2, the pedal is the key to creating a delicate, shimmering texture.

3. Rhythmic Flow and Agogics

Despite their short lengths, these works require sophisticated rhythmic understanding. The pulse must be steady, yet Mendelssohn's lyrical style invites subtle agogic flexibility—a momentary dwelling on a note for expressive effect. The challenge lies in introducing this rubato without disrupting the overall rhythmic integrity.

4. Understanding Form

Most pieces in the set adhere to clear, simple forms (like the Ternary ABA' form found in No. 2). Analyzing this structure helps the musician build an expressive arc, defining where the musical climax lies and how the piece should return to its initial mood.

Bringing Mendelssohn to Your Repertoire

Whether you are seeking expressive works for a piano lesson or a delightful selection for a recital, the Six Children's Pieces should not be overlooked. They are a testament to Mendelssohn’s enduring genius—a set of miniatures that contain worlds of musical feeling.

For practice materials, you can find the score for the entire Op. 72 in the public domain. We recommend referencing a reliable edition that includes clear articulation and dynamic markings. For a deeper look at the technical requirements and a structured study plan for one of these pieces, please see the blog post.

We encourage all musicians to Explore these beautiful, short works and Create their own expressive interpretations of Mendelssohn's intimate musical voice.