For piano players who want to study Felix Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, the best choice depends on whether you want a selected collection, a broader songbook, or a particular volume. Schirmer Library Vol. 58 is a general piano collection, Alfred Masterwork Edition focuses on selected favorites, and Volume III suits shoppers seeking that specific installment. For listening rather than playing, Daniel Barenboim’s audio CD is the recording option in this selection.
| Product | Best For | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Schirmer Library Vol. 58 | A general piano collection | Paperback sheet music |
| Complete Lieder Ohne Worte Songbook | Players seeking a collection labeled complete and Urtext | Paperback sheet music |
| Alfred Masterwork Edition | Players interested in selected favorites | Paperback sheet music |
| Daniel Barenboim Recording | Listeners who want an audio performance | Audio CD |
| Volume III | Players looking for the third volume | Paperback sheet music |
Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Schirmer Library Vol. 58
This paperback piano collection is credited to Felix Mendelssohn, with Constantin Von Sternberg listed as editor. Its Schirmer Library volume designation makes it a clear option for shoppers looking for a book from that series rather than a recording or an individual installment.
Best for: Pianists who want a general collection of Mendelssohn’s piano pieces in a familiar music-library format. It was selected because the title directly identifies the work and specifies piano sheet music.
Consider: The provided product details do not list the individual pieces or indicate a difficulty level. Check the listing or contents information if you need a specific song or level of arrangement.
Complete Lieder Ohne Worte Urtext Songbook
The product title describes this paperback as a classic piano sheet music collection and a complete Lieder Ohne Worte Urtext songbook. It also says the book is intended for intermediate and advanced pianists. Those details make it distinct from the selected-favorites edition and the volume-specific book in this list.
Best for: Pianists seeking a collection explicitly labeled complete and Urtext, especially those comfortable with intermediate or advanced repertoire. It was selected for the breadth and edition description stated in its title.
Consider: The supplied information does not identify an editor or enumerate the included pieces. Confirm the contents if you need to verify that a particular song is included.
Selected Favorites, Alfred Masterwork Edition
This paperback is identified as Mendelssohn — Songs without Words (Selected Favorites) in the Alfred Masterwork Edition. Felix Mendelssohn is credited as composer, and Willard A. Palmer is also listed in the supplied product details.
Best for: Buyers who prefer a selection of favorites instead of choosing a book described as complete. It was selected because its title clearly signals a curated selection within a named piano music edition.
Consider: “Selected Favorites” indicates that this is not presented as a complete collection. The provided details do not specify which pieces are included, so check the contents before buying to learn whether it covers your intended selections.
Mendelssohn Songs Without Words By Daniel Barenboim
This item is an audio CD featuring Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, with Daniel Barenboim identified as the performer. Unlike the paperback options, it is for listening and does not provide printed piano notation.
Best for: Listeners who want a recorded performance, or piano students who prefer to hear the music while following along with separate sheet music. It was selected to represent the listening option for this search.
Consider: Choose a sheet music book instead if you need notation to play from. The supplied details do not list the CD’s track titles or recording information.
Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Volume III
This paperback is specifically titled Mendelssohn: Songs without Words Volume III, with Felix Mendelssohn listed as author. Its volume number is the main distinction: it is a targeted choice for someone seeking the third installment rather than a book described as a complete or selected collection.
Best for: Pianists who are looking for Volume III in particular. It was selected because it directly matches a volume-specific search for the work.
Consider: The listing details provided do not explain how this volume relates to other volumes or identify its contents. Check the edition and included pieces before choosing it as a standalone book.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Mendelssohn Songs Without Words
Do you want to play or listen?
Choose a paperback sheet music book if you need printed notation for piano. The Schirmer, Urtext, Alfred, and Volume III products are listed as paperback books. Choose the Daniel Barenboim audio CD if your priority is hearing a performance; it is not a substitute for printed music.
Should you choose a complete collection or selected pieces?
The product title for the Urtext songbook describes it as complete, while the Alfred Masterwork Edition is explicitly labeled “Selected Favorites.” If you want a particular piece, verify the contents rather than relying on a broad collection title. The Schirmer listing identifies a general piano collection but does not provide a contents list in the supplied details.
Does the volume number matter?
Volume III is the most specific option for shoppers seeking that installment. Before buying, confirm that the volume matches the piece or edition you need. The supplied product information does not establish whether it includes the same selections as the broader collections.
What should pianists check before ordering?
- Confirm the format: paperback sheet music and audio CD serve different purposes.
- Look for a contents list if you need a specific song.
- Use the stated level description carefully: the Urtext songbook title names intermediate and advanced pianists, while the other supplied listings do not state a level.
- Check editor and edition details when those matter to your choice; Von Sternberg is listed as editor for the Schirmer book, and Palmer is listed with the Alfred edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best choice for playing Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words on piano?
For a general piano collection, consider the Schirmer Library Vol. 58. The Urtext songbook is another option if you want a book labeled complete and are an intermediate or advanced pianist.
Which product is described as complete?
The paperback titled Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Classic Piano Sheet Music Collection describes itself as a complete Lieder Ohne Worte Urtext songbook.
Which edition focuses on selected favorites?
The Alfred Masterwork Edition is titled Songs without Words (Selected Favorites), indicating a selection rather than a complete collection.
Is there a recording in this product list?
Yes. The Daniel Barenboim item is listed as an audio CD featuring Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words.
What if I need Volume III specifically?
Choose the paperback titled Mendelssohn: Songs without Words Volume III, and verify its contents if you are looking for a particular piece.