The origins of this piece are as a Venetian song about gondolas (boats) and gondoliers (those steering and propelling the boats). Themes often expressed by gondoliers do tend to be about the romantic side of life. The words barcarola or barcarolle are used to describe the folk songs sung by Venetian gondoliers and they are usually in 6/8 time and played at a moderate tempo featuring a rhythmic pattern reminiscent of the gondolier’s oar stroke. Romantic composers were particularly fond of composing barcarolles and Mendelssohn’s “Song without Words” feature several. This is an improver level arrangement for mandolin accompanied by acoustic guitar sounding in the key of G with the realisation playing back at a tempo of 63 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. This is an excellent performance piece because the melody is appealing and familiar. The mandolin player may wish to edit the suggested tremolo playing. Time spent listening to recordings of this melody particularly by singers will help players learn how to approach a musical performance. Accompaniments are also available at tempos of 66, 63 and 60 dotted quarter note beats (crotchet) beats to the minute.
