What makes Mendelssohn's Wedding March a timeless choice for modern weddings? Learn!
Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" incidental music, Op. 61, is a fascinating and influential work in the world of classical music. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Inspired by Shakespeare: Mendelssohn was a great admirer of William Shakespeare's works, and his incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was composed as a result of his deep appreciation for the play. He first read the play when he was just 17 years old.
Early Composition: Mendelssohn began composing the overture for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" when he was only 17 years old in 1826. The overture is considered one of his earliest mature works.
Two Commissions: Mendelssohn actually composed two sets of incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The first was in 1826, consisting mainly of the famous overture. The second, more well-known version, was composed in 1842.
Notable Premieres: The overture, composed when Mendelssohn was a teenager, premiered in 1827. However, the full incidental music, Op. 61, was first performed in 1843 at the King's Theatre in London. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were in attendance.
Comedic and Ethereal: Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" captures the essence of Shakespeare's play beautifully. It skillfully combines both the comedic and ethereal elements of the story, featuring light, playful themes as well as dreamy, otherworldly melodies.
Innovative Scoring: Mendelssohn's scoring for the incidental music was innovative for its time. He used unusual instruments such as the celesta, a keyboard instrument, to create a magical and enchanting atmosphere in the "Scherzo" movement.
Notable Movements: Apart from the famous overture, other notable movements in the incidental music include the "Scherzo," which is often performed separately, and the "Wedding March," which has become an iconic piece used in weddings worldwide.
Influence on Later Composers: Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" had a significant influence on later composers. Richard Wagner, for instance, was inspired by Mendelssohn's scoring and orchestration techniques when he wrote his own operas.
Revival of Interest: The music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" experienced a revival of interest in the 20th century, thanks in part to its use in various films and television shows. It has become a beloved and enduring part of the classical music repertoire.
Mendelssohn's Legacy: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" remains one of Mendelssohn's most celebrated compositions, showcasing his remarkable talent for capturing the mood and spirit of a literary work through music. It continues to be performed by orchestras and appreciated by audiences worldwide.