Why is Mendelssohn's Wedding March one of the most popular pieces played at weddings? Learn!
Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61" is a remarkable piece of incidental music composed in 1842. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Inspiration from Shakespeare: Mendelssohn was a lifelong admirer of William Shakespeare's works. He was particularly drawn to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and composed the incidental music as a response to the play.
Two Separate Compositions: Mendelssohn composed the overture for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" when he was just 17 years old. However, he didn't complete the rest of the incidental music until more than a decade later in 1842, shortly before his death. This makes the composition unique as it spans a significant portion of Mendelssohn's life.
Overture's Premier: The overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was premiered in 1827, several years before the full incidental music. It was an instant success and is still one of Mendelssohn's most famous works.
Commissioned for a Royal Performance: The full incidental music was commissioned for a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" staged for the silver wedding anniversary of King Frederick William IV of Prussia and his wife, Queen Elisabeth. This royal connection further added to the prestige of the composition.
Unique Instrumentation: Mendelssohn's choice of instruments for this composition was innovative for its time. He included the newly invented instrument called the "cymbalum," an early version of the celesta, which adds a magical and ethereal quality to the music.
Evolving Themes: Mendelssohn used recurring themes and motifs throughout the composition to represent different characters and moods in Shakespeare's play. These thematic elements are woven throughout the overture and various movements, providing a cohesive musical narrative.
Popular Bridal March: The Wedding March, which is part of the incidental music, is one of the most famous pieces of classical music and is often played during wedding ceremonies. It has become a traditional choice for brides' entrances.
Influence on Future Composers: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" music had a significant influence on later composers, such as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Benjamin Britten, who also wrote music for productions of Shakespeare's play.
Mendelssohn's Love for Fairies: Mendelssohn had a lifelong fascination with the idea of fairies and the supernatural, which is evident in his composition. He believed that Shakespeare's play captured the essence of a dream, and his music sought to convey that dreamlike quality.
Mendelssohn's Legacy: "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61" is considered one of Mendelssohn's most enduring and beloved works, showcasing his talent for evoking vivid imagery and emotion through music. It continues to be performed and celebrated by orchestras and theaters worldwide.
Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" remains a captivating and enchanting piece of music that beautifully complements Shakespeare's timeless comedy.