We have a collection of 23 arrangements for Felix Mendelssohn - A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61
Which Shakespearean comedy inspired this iconic Romantic-era composition? Learn!
Felix Mendelssohn's incidental music for Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Op. 61, is a fascinating piece of work. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Inspiration from Shakespeare: Mendelssohn composed the overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the young age of 17. He was inspired by Shakespeare's play, which he had read at the age of 10. The play's magical and whimsical elements deeply influenced the music.
Two Separate Compositions: Mendelssohn composed the overture in 1826, but it wasn't until 16 years later, in 1842, that he composed the remaining incidental music for the play. The overture and the incidental music were not originally conceived as a single work, but they are often performed together today.
Innovative Scoring: The incidental music features innovative orchestration, including the use of the newly invented instrument at the time, the saxophone. Mendelssohn used the saxophone in the "Scherzo" movement, adding a unique and mysterious quality to the music.
Character Representation: In the incidental music, Mendelssohn masterfully captures the essence of the play's characters. For example, the lively and playful Scherzo represents the mischievous Puck, while the famous Wedding March symbolizes the grandeur of the Duke Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding.
Reviving Interest in Shakespeare: Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" played a significant role in reviving interest in Shakespeare's works during the Romantic era. His music brought new life to the play and contributed to its enduring popularity in the 19th century and beyond.
Mendelssohn's Opus 21 and 61: Mendelssohn's Op. 21 is the overture, while Op. 61 comprises the complete incidental music. These compositions showcase Mendelssohn's remarkable talent and creativity, establishing him as a prominent composer of his time.
Timeless Influence: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" music continues to be widely performed and cherished by audiences and musicians alike. Its enchanting melodies and vivid characterizations make it a beloved piece in the repertoire of classical music.
These facts highlight the significance of Mendelssohn's incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and its lasting impact on the world of classical music.