Why did Mendelssohn's Wedding March become a staple of Western weddings? Learn!
Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Incidental Music, Op. 61" is a delightful and iconic 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, and his "A Midsummer Night's Dream" overture and incidental music were composed as a musical interpretation of Shakespeare's famous play. He began composing it when he was just 17 years old.
Two Compositions: The Op. 61 work actually consists of two separate compositions: the Overture and the Incidental Music. The overture is a stand-alone piece, while the incidental music is intended to be performed during specific scenes of the play.
Premiere Delay: The overture was composed in 1826, when Mendelssohn was only 17 years old, but the full incidental music was not completed until 1842. The delay was due to Mendelssohn's commitment to other projects and the need for the right theatrical production to present the music.
Iconic Wedding March: One of the most famous pieces from the incidental music is the "Wedding March." This piece has become synonymous with weddings and is often played during the processional and recessional at wedding ceremonies. It's instantly recognizable and continues to be a popular choice for weddings to this day.
Literary Influence: Mendelssohn's music captures the whimsical and fantastical elements of Shakespeare's play. He used the music to highlight the magical and supernatural aspects of the story, with lively and playful motifs.
Influential Interpretation: Mendelssohn's interpretation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was groundbreaking in its use of orchestral color and thematic development. It helped set a new standard for incidental music and influenced many composers who followed him.
Collaborative Effort: Mendelssohn worked closely with his sister Fanny Mendelssohn on the composition of the music. Fanny contributed to the vocal and choral sections of the incidental music.
Resurgence in Popularity: While the overture and "Wedding March" have remained popular since their inception, the full incidental music had fallen out of favor for many years. However, it experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 20th century, and productions of the play often include Mendelssohn's music today.
Instrumentation: The incidental music is scored for a full orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. It also includes vocal parts for soloists and a choir in certain sections.
Timelessness: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" music remains a beloved and enduring piece of classical music, cherished for its ability to capture the enchanting and magical essence of Shakespeare's play. It continues to be performed in concert halls and theaters around the world.
Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Incidental Music, Op. 61" is a testament to his genius as a composer and his ability to bring the world of literature to life through music.