Mendelssohn orchestration (Barcarolle Op.30 No.6)

Happy New Year to all!

For my first post of 2026, here's my orchestration of Medelssohn's Barcarolle from Songs Without Words.

It's more or less done; though I may add more dynamics to match the original piano work, and need to add more slurs.

Current dynamics are intended for midi playback: so I will be adjusting those for real life performance. 

Haven't decided where to mark a2 and solo in the winds: so any tips on that would be really helpful.

Hi @Alex Weidmann!

When as a kid (and now as an old man) I always love this Mendelssohn piece! I like your combination of vibraphone and harp, and later also the glockenspiel (maybe I love a xylophone more) combination for the accompaniment. Flute is definitely a great choice for the main solo instrument throughout! Maybe for me, I will definitely have the melody played by the violins and/or the cellos for another timbre. But still, a lovely arrangement!

Henry

Thanks Henry.

Mendelssohn is a composer I've neglected until now; although he was apparently a greater child genius than Mozart!

I accidentally wrote a few hand clashes in the harp (e.g. Bar 45 on Middle C).

Hadn't thought of using xylophone, but will give it a try.

I would like to add more for the violins and celli to do: so I think your suggestion is a great idea.