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Felix Mendelssohn's incidental music for William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Op. 61, is a remarkable composition that holds several interesting facts:

1. Young Composer: Mendelssohn composed the music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" when he was just 17 years old. It was remarkable for someone of his age to tackle such a complex and mature work.

2. Two Parts: The music is divided into two distinct parts: the Overture and the Incidental Music. The overture, composed in 1826, was Mendelssohn's first major orchestral work and is often performed separately from the incidental music.

3. Inspired by the Play: Mendelssohn's composition was directly inspired by Shakespeare's play. He had read the play in German translation, and the themes and atmosphere of the play deeply influenced his music.

4. Long Gestation Period: The composition of this music spanned over 16 years. Mendelssohn wrote the overture in 1826 but did not complete the full incidental music until 1842.

5. Characters in Music: Mendelssohn used various leitmotifs (recurring musical themes) to represent specific characters and elements from the play. For example, the famous "Wedding March" is associated with the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta.

6. Unique Scoring: The incidental music is scored for a relatively small orchestra compared to the grand orchestras of the Romantic era. It includes fairy-like instruments like the celesta, which adds to the magical quality of the music.

7. Revival of Interest: The incidental music was largely forgotten after Mendelssohn's death but experienced a revival in popularity in the mid-19th century. It has since become one of his most performed and cherished works.

8. Mendelssohn's Overture Tradition: Mendelssohn had a special affinity for writing overtures and is famous for his overtures to various Shakespearean plays. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" overture is considered one of his most iconic compositions.

9. Puck's Music: The mischievous character Puck, known for his playful and tricky nature in the play, is represented by lively and whimsical music in Mendelssohn's composition. It captures the spirit of Puck's character beautifully.

10. Influence on Later Composers: Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" has inspired many other composers and has been used in numerous adaptations and films. Its enduring popularity speaks to its lasting impact on the world of music and the arts.

Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" incidental music remains a beloved and enduring piece of classical music, celebrated for its ability to capture the enchanting and fantastical elements of Shakespeare's timeless comedy.