What classical piece is universally recognized as the "Here Comes the Bride" melody? Learn!
Felix Mendelssohn's incidental music for Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Op. 61, is a remarkable composition with several interesting facts:
Inspiration from Shakespeare: Mendelssohn composed the incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" between 1842 and 1843. His love for the works of William Shakespeare, especially the enchanting and whimsical nature of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," inspired him to create this musical accompaniment.
Early Composition: Mendelssohn was only 17 years old when he wrote the famous overture for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 1826. The rest of the incidental music was composed much later, reflecting his enduring fascination with the play.
Two Distinct Parts: The incidental music is divided into two parts – one written in 1826, which includes the famous Overture, and the other composed in 1842-1843. The later part features a series of magical and atmospheric pieces that capture the essence of Shakespeare's play.
Notable Movements: Some of the most notable movements in the incidental music include the Scherzo, often referred to as the "Wedding March." This piece has become one of the most popular wedding processionals, adding a touch of magic to countless ceremonies.
Programmatic Elements: Mendelssohn was known for his ability to evoke specific moods and scenes through music. In "A Midsummer Night's Dream," he effectively used orchestration and thematic development to portray the magical and whimsical elements of the play.
Commissioned Work: The incidental music was commissioned by King Frederick William IV of Prussia for a performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the royal palace in Potsdam. Mendelssohn's success with this composition further solidified his reputation as a leading composer of the Romantic era.
Later Arrangement: Mendelssohn later arranged the music into a concert suite, which is often performed independently of the play. This suite includes some of the most beloved pieces from the incidental music.
Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" remains a testament to his ability to capture the magical and fantastical elements of Shakespeare's play through the medium of music.