FINGERING ANSWERS - How To Teach Mendelssohn Venetian Boat Song Op.19, No.6

Today I'm answering a follow-up question regarding fingering choices in the Venetian Boat Song, or Song Without Words Op.19, No.6, by Felix Mendelssohn. Fingering is a personal choice and should be evaluated for what feels comfortable and what sounds best. To view the video covering the entire piece, please click here: • How To Teach Mendelsso...
Editions that I recommended in the video:
Alfred Masterworks - Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words (Maurice Hinson) Complete: amzn.to/3AKSRwe
Alfred Masterworks - Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words (Maurice Hinson) Selected: amzn.to/3wskyra
Masterwork Classics book 8 (Jane Magrath): amzn.to/3AMr52g
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[@mariannegarcia2830]

Hi, this is great! Thank you. How do you tackle the changes that begin in measure 25 or 26 where there are those staccato markings? Also what tempo would you recommend for performance? Do those versions have metronome marking suggestions?

[@JannaWilliamson]

I find m.26 and on to not actually be that difficult because the LH is not doing much and the RH can take time to navigate this part. The staccatos should be "portato" - a sticky detached motion. For the slur in the second half of the measure, the same rotation technique that I showed in the video above works. Regarding tempo: andante in 6/8 should move along, with a gentle lilt 1, 2, 1, 2. I suggest listening to a number of professional recordings and then adjusting to your student's ability. But it should not be overly slow.

[@mariannegarcia2830]

@@JannaWilliamson Thank you!