We have a collection of 23 arrangements for Felix Mendelssohn - Wedding March
Why is Mendelssohn's Wedding March one of the most popular wedding recessional themes in history? Learn!
Felix Mendelssohn's incidental music for Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a fascinating work. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Inspiration from Shakespeare: Mendelssohn composed this music in 1842 as a companion piece to Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He was only 17 years old when he wrote the overture and 24 when he completed the rest of the incidental music.
Overture: The overture is one of Mendelssohn's most famous compositions. It's known for capturing the magical and whimsical essence of the play, featuring lively and ethereal themes that beautifully mirror the spirit of Shakespeare's work.
Unique Scoring: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" incidental music is scored for a full symphony orchestra, but it also includes a part for the rarely used instrument, the ophicleide. This adds an unusual and distinct timbre to the composition.
Influence on Later Composers: Mendelssohn's work on this incidental music had a significant influence on later composers who wrote music for Shakespeare's plays. His imaginative and evocative score set a high standard for musical interpretations of Shakespearean works.
Two Commissions: Interestingly, Mendelssohn received two separate commissions for the music. The first was in 1826 when he composed the overture for a private production of the play. The second commission came from King Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1843, leading Mendelssohn to complete the rest of the music.
Originality: Mendelssohn's incidental music was groundbreaking in its approach to composing music for the theater. It was one of the earliest examples of music being composed not just as a background accompaniment but as an integral part of the storytelling, enhancing the emotional depth of the play.
Notable Movements: In addition to the famous overture, notable movements in the suite include the "Scherzo," "Nocturne," and "Wedding March." The "Wedding March" is particularly well-known and has become a traditional choice for wedding ceremonies.
Mendelssohn's Love for Shakespeare: Mendelssohn had a deep appreciation for Shakespeare's works. He and his sister Fanny read Shakespeare together, and he even visited Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon during his travels in England.
Reviving Interest: Mendelssohn's music played a significant role in reviving interest in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" during the 19th century, both as a literary work and as a theatrical performance.
Legacy: Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" remains a beloved and enduring piece in the classical music repertoire, celebrated for its imaginative and expressive qualities, making it a must-listen for music and literature enthusiasts alike.