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Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" incidental music, Op. 61 is a fascinating piece of classical music with several interesting facts:
Inspiration from Shakespeare: Mendelssohn composed this music as a companion piece to William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He was only 17 years old when he wrote the overture, and he revisited the work later in his life to add more pieces to it.
Overture Composed First: The overture, which is one of the most famous parts of the incidental music, was actually composed 16 years before the rest of the pieces. It was written in 1826, and the complete incidental music was finished in 1842.
Two Distinct Suites: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" incidental music can be divided into two distinct suites - one for the overture and one for the other incidental pieces. This division allows the music to be performed separately from the play.
Use of the Overture: The overture is one of Mendelssohn's most well-known compositions and is often performed independently from the rest of the incidental music. It captures the magical and whimsical elements of Shakespeare's play.
Scherzo's Fairy Music: The famous "Scherzo" movement from the suite includes music that Mendelssohn envisioned as the world of fairies. It features delicate and playful melodies that evoke the enchanting atmosphere of the play.
Influence on Later Composers: Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" had a significant influence on later composers, including Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Carl Orff. Tchaikovsky, in particular, admired Mendelssohn's ability to capture the spirit of Shakespeare's play in music.
Admiration from Queen Victoria: Queen Victoria of England was a great admirer of Mendelssohn's music, and she requested a private performance of the "A Midsummer Night's Dream" music at Buckingham Palace. This performance solidified Mendelssohn's reputation in England.
Revival of Interest: While the play itself has always been popular, Mendelssohn's music played a crucial role in reviving interest in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" during the 19th century, making it a staple of classical music repertoire.
Instrumentation: The incidental music features a variety of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Mendelssohn's skillful orchestration enhances the mood and atmosphere of the play.
Timeless Appeal: Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" continues to be performed and loved by audiences worldwide, making it a testament to the enduring power of both Shakespeare's play and Mendelssohn's music.
These interesting facts highlight the significance of Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" incidental music in the world of classical music and its enduring popularity.