Felix Mendelssohn composed the "Wedding March" as part of his incidental music for William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Here are some interesting facts about the piece:
Inspiration: Mendelssohn wrote the Wedding March in 1842 as a standalone piece for a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Potsdam, Germany. The play had premiered much earlier, in 1826, but Mendelssohn's music was added later.
Delayed Recognition: Initially, the Wedding March didn't gain widespread popularity. It wasn't until the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Victoria, to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858 that the piece gained international fame. The royal wedding featured the march, and its use in this high-profile event contributed to its association with weddings.
Double Composition: It's important to note that Mendelssohn wrote two different Wedding Marches for "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The one that is commonly known and used for weddings is the processional, played as the bride enters. There's also a recessional Wedding March used at the end of the play.
Legacy: Mendelssohn's Wedding March has become one of the most popular and recognized pieces of music used in weddings worldwide. It is often played during the processional, accompanying the entrance of the bride.
Structure: The Wedding March is in the key of C major and has a majestic and celebratory character, making it a fitting choice for wedding ceremonies. The piece is characterized by its triumphant melody and joyful atmosphere.
Felix Mendelssohn's Wedding March has left a lasting legacy in the realm of wedding music and is synonymous with the joyous occasion of marriage.