Felix Mendelssohn, one of the most celebrated composers of the Romantic era, was not only a master of symphonic and choral music but also a prolific composer of art songs. His lieder, or art songs, reveal a deep sensitivity to poetic texts, and “I Would That My Love” (original German title: “Ich wollt’ meine Lieb’ ergösse sich”) is a shining example of his mastery in this genre. Jamboree’s Shannon McKinney and Iona Melloy have captured this beautifully.

Composed in 1859, “I Would That My Love” is set to a poem by Heinrich Heine, a renowned German lyric poet. The text’s poignant and heartfelt expressions of love, longing, and the complexities of human emotions provided Mendelssohn with the perfect canvas to create a captivating musical narrative.

The song opens with a gentle piano introduction, evoking a sense of contemplation and introspection. Mendelssohn’s gift for melody is immediately evident as the vocal line enters with tender phrases that reflect the yearning expressed in the poem. The accompaniment, both supportive and expressive, weaves around the voice, accentuating the emotional nuances of the text.

As the song progresses, Mendelssohn skillfully modulates the harmony, capturing the emotional arc of the poem. Moments of yearning and desire are juxtaposed with sections of wistful reflection, highlighting the complexities of the narrator’s feelings. The vocal line soars during passages of intense passion, while subtle shifts in dynamics and phrasing reflect the ebb and flow of emotions.

Performed by a sensitive and accomplished vocalist and pianist, “I Would That My Love” continues to captivate audiences with its timeless expression of love, longing, and the ever-elusive quest for emotional fulfillment.