A true apotheosis of life, Mendelssohn's music absolutely overflows with energy, ebullience, drama, and invention, as evidenced in his most enduring works: the incidental music to A Midsummer Night's Dream. While the sunny disposition of so many of Mendelssohn's works has led some to view the composer as possessing great talent but little depth, however these religious compositions reflect the complexity and deeply spiritual basis of his personality. German and English text.

'The Nightingale (Die Nachtigall)' was composted on June 19, 1843 and published as No. 4 in Sechs Lieder, Op 59. Words by Johann Wolfgang von Goeth, based on a Greek folksong published in 'Chants populaires de la Grece moderne' with French translations by Claude Charles Fauriel accompanying the original texts. Goethe's version, published in 1827 is entitled 'Landlich, though Mendelssohn preferred the title given here. 'The Woodland Singers (Die Waldvogelein)' was composed on June 19, 1843 and published as No 4 in Sechs Lieder, Op 88. The author of the words, given simply as Scutz, is almost certainly heinrich Schutz who published a volume of 'Vermischte Gedichte' at Karlsruhe in 1841. 'Song for the New Year (Neujahrslied)' was composed on August 8, 1844 and published posthumously as No 1 in Sechs Lieder, Op 88. Words by Johann Peter Hebel (1760-1826). The original poem has five verses, of which Mendelssohn set only the first four.

A set of unaccompanied eight-part motets with German and English texts.