Composed in 1827, this piece is based on the Irish folk song "The Last Rose of Summer," which is set to a poem by the Irish national poet and composer Thomas Moore (1779-1852). While this folk song is a beloved masterpiece worldwide, Mendelssohn made it even more accessible. The "Fantasia on 'The Last Rose of Summer' in E major" appears to have been popular in salons and frequently performed.

From the beginning of the piece, a quiet and fantastical sound is created by arpeggiated chords in E minor. Subsequently, the theme of "The Last Rose of Summer" is gently sung in E major. The middle section begins in E minor, Presto agitato, gradually increasing in motion. Here, sixteenth notes are played alternately by the left and right hands, but it is necessary to clearly articulate the main musical lines. Furthermore, fragments of the theme inserted in Adagio and slowly sung recitatives appear, creating a fantastical effect by contrasting with the Presto agitato rhythm. The theme is gracefully sung again in Andante, and the piece concludes by fading away.