Later generations soon found his music too conventional and simple minded, and the frequency of performances of his music dipped. General Characteristics Mendelssohn was known as a purist and Classicist, and his music bears a great deal of conservation and emotional inhibition. His creative work encompasses a variety of experiences, trends, and influences, but he is not known as a programmatic composer in the style of Berlioz and other Romantics. His melodies are often close to the classic idea of proportion and balance. Sometimes his over-symmetrical phrase structures contribute to an impression of monotony.
Melodies are generally, however, highly lyrical.
Rhythm Tempos are often sprightly with energetic rhythmic patterns. Rhythms, however, are rarely as complicated as those of Beethoven, Chopin, or Schumann. Harmony Mendelssohn's harmonies are rich and colorful, but he was not an innovator in this area. His sonata form is basically classical consisting of highly lyrical second themes and development sections that rely upon sequencing and repetitions. There exists no definitive catalogue of Mendelssohn works, though by estimate there exist 250 individual items.