Venezianisches Gondellied
German composer
Definition
Venetian Gondolier's Song. Mendelssohn's title for three of the Songs Without Words (Op. 19 No. 6, Op. 30 No. 6, Op. 62 No. 5) evoking the rocking motion of a gondola on water.
Interpretive Guidance
The barcarolle rhythm — a lilting 6/8 or 12/8 — should suggest gentle rocking rather than mechanical metre. Use the pedal to blur the rhythm slightly and sustain the bass, but maintain clarity in the melody above.