I Would That My Love (Op.63 No.1) is a popular song by Mendelssohn published in 1845 as the first in a collection of six duets for upper Voice with Piano accompaniment. It has been translated hereinto English.The Romantic composer Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847) has been highly regarded in Britain from the time of his first visit in 1829. He was a favourite of Queen Victoria and also made severaltrips to Scotland inspiring some of his best-known and most evocative works. He is also remembered for his choral works such as the ever-popular Hear My Prayer.

In 1834 Mendelssohn set the poem Auf Flügeln des Gesanges by Heinrich Heine and published it as the second of his Six Songs for Voice and Piano. It achieved a popularity that has lasted through the present and has been arranged for many instrument combinations. On Wings of Song is has the typical form of an early Mendelssohn lied in strophic form with a transformation in the final verse. The rippling accompaniment suggests the flowing Ganges to which the lovers fly ?on wings of song?.

Mendelssohn wrote the Christian anthem Hear My Prayer in Germany in 1844 and premiered it the next year in London. William Bartholomew wrote the English lyrics as well as collaborating with the composer on his oratorioElijah.Wings of a Dove the second part of Hear My Prayer is frequently performed as a separate work and was made famous in the UK through a 1927 recording. The work was originally written for SATB Chorus and Organ or Orchestra and is here rendered for two Voices with Piano transposed from G to F to meet the requirements of amateur singers.

Classics for Children Series-For two-part or three-part treble voices Jill Gallina has once again crafted a masterful partner-song using the romantic music of Mendelssohn. “On Wings of Song” is an impressive spring concert contest or festivalpiece for upper elementary middle school or high school treble choirs. Available: 2-part/SSA Accompaniment & Performance CD.

English translation of this Mendelssohn song for SS chorus and piano accompaniment.