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Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61" is a significant work in the composer's oeuvre, and there are several interesting facts associated with this piece:

1. Shakespearean Inspiration: Mendelssohn's music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was inspired by William Shakespeare's play of the same name. Mendelssohn had a lifelong fascination with Shakespeare, and this composition was one of his most notable contributions to the Shakespearean music repertoire.

2. Two Separate Compositions: Mendelssohn composed the overture for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" when he was just 17 years old in 1826. However, he didn't complete the full incidental music until much later, in 1842, when he was in his 30s. The overture is one of the most famous parts of the composition.

3. Mature and Immature Compositions: The overture and the other pieces of the incidental music show a stark contrast between Mendelssohn's early and mature compositional styles. The overture is often seen as a brilliant example of his youthful exuberance, while the later pieces demonstrate his more mature and sophisticated approach to composition.

4. Composed for a Theatrical Production: Mendelssohn's incidental music was composed for a production of Shakespeare's play in Potsdam in 1843. The music was written to accompany the play's various scenes, and it captures the magical and ethereal qualities of the story.

5. Unique Instrumentation: The incidental music includes a unique combination of instruments, including woodwinds, strings, and a chorus. Mendelssohn's inventive orchestration adds to the dreamlike atmosphere of the music and is considered one of the innovative aspects of the composition.

6. Influence on Later Composers: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" music has had a significant influence on subsequent composers and their approaches to programmatic music. Richard Wagner, for instance, was deeply impressed by Mendelssohn's work in this area.

7. Widely Recognized Overture: The overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is one of Mendelssohn's most famous and frequently performed compositions. It is often played as a standalone piece in concert programs and is cherished for its lively and evocative nature.

8. Two Versions of Overture: Mendelssohn actually wrote two versions of the overture. The first, composed in 1826, is often referred to as the "Fairies' March" and is shorter. The second, composed in 1843, is the more famous and expanded version, and it is the one most often performed today.

9. Composing from Memory: Mendelssohn composed the overture entirely from memory. He had seen a performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the age of 17, and 13 years later, he was able to recapture the spirit and essence of the play in his overture without referring to the original text.

10. Beloved by Audiences: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" music has remained a favorite of audiences and performers alike. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless beauty and enchanting quality of the composition.

Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" remains a cherished work in the world of classical music, and it continues to captivate audiences with its imaginative and magical qualities.