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Felix Mendelssohn's incidental music for Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Op. 61, is a notable and beloved work. Here are some interesting facts about it:

1. Inspiration from Shakespeare: Mendelssohn composed the incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 1842, drawing inspiration from William Shakespeare's famous play. He was only 17 years old when he wrote the overture, and the complete incidental music was composed later in 1843.

2. Overture: The overture, Op. 21, was initially composed in 1826, when Mendelssohn was only 17 years old. This early version was not intended for the play. However, he revisited and revised it later, incorporating it into the incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

3. Commissioned for a Royal Command Performance: Mendelssohn's incidental music was commissioned for a royal command performance in 1843 to accompany a production of Shakespeare's play at the royal palace in Potsdam, Germany. The music was well-received, and it has since become one of Mendelssohn's most popular and frequently performed works.

4. Unique Scoring: The composition features a unique and colorful orchestration, including the innovative use of the recently invented instrument, the "scherzo," in the famous Scherzo movement. Mendelssohn was known for his skillful orchestration, and this work showcases his ability to create vivid and evocative sounds.

5. Distinctive Movements: The incidental music consists of a series of movements, each corresponding to a specific scene in the play. It includes the famous Wedding March, which has become a traditional piece played at weddings. The lively and celebratory character of the Wedding March has contributed to its popularity for matrimonial ceremonies.

6. Revisiting the Overture: Mendelssohn's overture was so well-received that he later returned to it and composed additional incidental music to create a complete suite. The finished work includes not only the overture but also a series of character pieces and intermezzos that capture the magical and whimsical atmosphere of Shakespeare's play.

7. Legacy: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" music has endured as one of his most celebrated compositions. The expressive and imaginative qualities of the music continue to captivate audiences, and individual movements are often performed independently in concert settings.

Mendelssohn's incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" remains a testament to his prodigious talent and his ability to evoke the magical and fantastical elements of Shakespeare's timeless comedy.