How to Play “Venetian Boat Song” by Mendelssohn on Piano (2 Levels, Free)
Learn Mendelssohn's Venetian Boat Song on piano: listen to the beginner and intermediate versions, then play the level of your choice with falling notes, right in your browser.
Listen and play: 2 levels
Intermediate
Right hand
Advanced
Both hands
About the piece
Venetian Boat Song Op. 19 No. 6 is one of the most famous pieces from Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words, a collection of short lyrical piano pieces written between 1829 and 1845. This piece evokes the gentle rocking motion of a gondola in Venice through its flowing accompaniment and nostalgic melody.
It is a beautiful example of Romantic piano music. While the original score requires technical refinement, the melody is deeply expressive, making it a rewarding challenge for those looking to develop their musicality and control over phrasing.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: focuses on the lyrical melody line, allowing you to concentrate on your touch and phrasing without worrying about the accompaniment.
- Both hands: the complete arrangement, combining the melodic line in the right hand with the flowing broken-chord accompaniment in the left hand.
Fingering and hand position
Because this piece features moving lines and expressive shifts, start by establishing a flexible wrist. Keep your hand relaxed to ensure the long, melodic phrases sound fluid rather than choppy.
Focus on maintaining a gentle weight in your fingers for the melody, while keeping the accompaniment softer. Avoid locking your fingers; use small, circular movements of the wrist to connect the notes smoothly as if you were singing with the piano.
Practice tips
- Listen to the full piece in the app to internalize the tempo and the swaying rhythm before you start playing.
- Use the Rhythm mode to slow down significantly until you are comfortable with the coordination between the melody and the accompaniment.
- Work on the melody until it sounds singing and clear, then gradually add the left hand part in small sections.
- Focus on the transitions between phrases, keeping your hand position stable to avoid unnecessary tension.
Learn it step by step
Start by practicing the melody in the right hand alone to get a feel for the phrasing. Once the notes are familiar, play it at a slow, steady tempo without stopping.
Next, introduce the left hand accompaniment separately. Practice the patterns until they feel automatic. Finally, combine both hands at a very slow pace, focusing on keeping the melody dominant over the accompaniment, and gradually increase the speed as you gain confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is Venetian Boat Song easy to play on piano?
It is considered an intermediate piece. While the melody is beautiful, the challenge lies in balancing the voices between the left and right hands.
What is the style of this piece?
It is a Romantic-era character piece, designed to convey a specific mood or scene, in this case, the calm waters of Venice.
Who composed the Venetian Boat Song?
Felix Mendelssohn, as part of his famous collection titled Songs Without Words, published in the mid-19th century.
How long does it take to learn this piece?
As an intermediate work, it usually takes several weeks of consistent practice to master the phrasing and hand independence required.
Which finger technique is important here?
Developing a singing tone and independent finger control is essential to ensure the melody stands out from the accompaniment.
Can I play this piece without a piano?
Yes. DOLI PIANO allows you to play this piece using your computer keyboard, a tablet, or a MIDI controller for free.
Do I need to be an expert to play it?
It is approachable for intermediate players who have developed basic coordination and a good sense of rhythm.
What should I play after this?
Other lyrical pieces from the Romantic period or more advanced Songs Without Words by Mendelssohn.
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