What famous play inspired Mendelssohn's "Wedding March"? Learn!
Felix Mendelssohn's incidental music for Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Op. 61, is a remarkable composition with several interesting facts:
Young Composer: Mendelssohn composed the music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" when he was only 17 years old. He wrote the overture in 1826, and then, more than a decade later in 1842, he composed the remaining incidental music for the play.
Two Separate Compositions: There are two distinct parts to Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The first part, composed in 1826, is the famous overture that is often performed as a standalone piece. The second part, composed in 1842, includes a series of character pieces, intermezzos, and songs that were intended to be performed within the context of the play.
Shakespearean Influence: Mendelssohn's music was heavily influenced by the magical and whimsical themes in Shakespeare's play. He captured the ethereal and otherworldly elements of the story in his compositions.
Instrumentation: The score for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" features a wide range of instruments, including woodwinds, strings, and brass, as well as vocal parts for soprano and alto soloists. The use of these diverse instruments and voices adds depth and color to the music, reflecting the different characters and moods in the play.
The Wedding March: One of the most famous pieces from Mendelssohn's incidental music is the "Wedding March." It is often used as the processional music in weddings, especially in English-speaking countries. The joyful and triumphant character of the piece makes it a popular choice for wedding ceremonies.
Revival of Shakespeare: Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" played a significant role in reviving interest in Shakespeare's works in the 19th century. His composition contributed to the resurgence of Shakespearean theater in Europe.
Commissioned Work: The commission for the incidental music came from King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia, who was a great admirer of Mendelssohn's music. This royal patronage allowed Mendelssohn to create this iconic composition.
Influence on Later Composers: Mendelssohn's approach to using music to enhance the drama of a play had a profound influence on later composers, including Richard Strauss and Dmitri Shostakovich, who also wrote incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Time Gap: There is a significant gap between Mendelssohn's composition of the overture and the rest of the incidental music. The overture was composed in 1826, while the rest of the music was written in 1842, nearly 16 years later.
Legacy: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" music remains one of his most celebrated works and continues to be widely performed in concert halls and theaters around the world. It is a testament to his talent and his ability to capture the essence of Shakespeare's enchanting play in his music.