How did the arranger humorously combine two iconic wedding marches? Learn!
Felix Mendelssohn's incidental music for William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Op. 61, is a fascinating and significant composition in the world of classical music. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Mendelssohn's Age: Mendelssohn was only 17 years old when he composed the Overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The overture is one of his most famous pieces and was written before he composed the rest of the incidental music.
Dual Compositions: Mendelssohn composed the overture in 1826, but it wasn't until 16 years later, in 1842, that he returned to the piece and composed the remaining incidental music for a production of Shakespeare's play in Potsdam, Germany.
Inspired by Shakespeare: Mendelssohn was an admirer of Shakespeare's works, and this composition was a testament to his love for the playwright. He managed to capture the whimsical and fantastical nature of the play in his music.
Character-Specific Music: Mendelssohn composed individual pieces of music for various characters in the play. For instance, the "Scherzo" is associated with the mischievous antics of Puck, while the "Nocturne" is often linked to the enchanted forest and the fairy world.
Notable Instrumentation: The composition features a unique orchestration that includes an unusual instrument for its time, the celesta. Mendelssohn introduced the celesta in the overture, making it one of the earliest instances of this instrument in classical music.
Popular Wedding March: Perhaps the most famous piece from this composition is the "Wedding March," which is often played at weddings to this day. It was not originally intended for weddings but gained popularity due to its joyful and celebratory character.
Mendelssohn's Sister: Mendelssohn's sister, Fanny Mendelssohn, also composed a piece inspired by "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Her "Overture in C major" was composed in 1828 and is sometimes performed alongside her brother's work.
Revival of Shakespearean Interest: Mendelssohn's composition helped revive interest in Shakespeare's plays and introduced a new generation of audiences to the beauty of his work.
Influence on Later Composers: Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" had a significant influence on later composers, including Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who admired Mendelssohn's ability to depict narrative and character through music.
Legacy: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" remains one of Mendelssohn's most performed and beloved works, a testament to his skill in capturing the magic and whimsy of Shakespeare's play through his music.
Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a timeless piece of music that continues to captivate audiences with its enchanting melodies and vivid portrayal of Shakespeare's beloved characters and themes.