Song without Words Op. 19 No. 3 "Hunting Song"
About this arrangement
It's from Mendelssohn's first book of Songs without Words, Op. 19, first published in London in 1832 as Original Melodies for the Pianoforte. The name "Hunting Song" (Jägerlied) is a nickname; most titles in the set were added by later publishers.
Practise the repeated chords with a loose wrist and short, light strokes. Loop two bars at a time at 50% and keep the 6/8 pulse steady before speeding up.
Start with short loops.
Use the section list as a practice map. Start at 50% tempo, loop one section, then return to the full piece once the hand shape feels stable.
Choose Right or Left to focus on one hand. Wait for note checks the highlighted notes as you play them on the screen or a connected MIDI keyboard.
Before you practice.
01 What level is the Hunting Song?
It's advanced. It's fast, and both hands play many repeated chords that must stay light and even.
02 How long is Op. 19 No. 3?
Our edition has 102 bars in 6/8.
03 What should I practise first?
The repeated right-hand chords, slowly and lightly, with a relaxed wrist.
04 Did Mendelssohn call it Hunting Song?
It's best treated as a nickname. Mendelssohn titled only a few of the Songs without Words himself.
