Felix Mendelssohn – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Felix Mendelssohn 3 February 1809 – 4 November 1847
A Midsummer Night's Dream III. Adagio
By Eduard Magnus – Berlin State Library, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5854375
On two occasions, Felix Mendelssohn composed music for William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream (in German Ein Sommernachtstraum). First in 1826, near the start of his career, he wrote a concert overture (Op. 21). Later, in 1842, five years before his death, he wrote incidental music (Op. 61) for a production of the play, into which he incorporated the existing overture. The incidental music includes the famous “Wedding March”.
Mendelssohn’s overture, completed when he was just 17, is a remarkable example of his early talent. It is structured in sonata form, featuring themes that represent characters from the play. The piece begins with four chords that evoke the sounds of nature. The first theme represents fairies, while the second theme reflects the lovers’ emotions. The overture was not originally written for a performance of the play but was inspired by a German translation of Shakespeare’s work.
The incidental music, composed later, includes various movements that enhance the play’s narrative. Notably, the “Wedding March” has become one of the most recognised pieces of music. Mendelssohn’s ability to blend classical and romantic elements showcases his unique style and deep understanding of music’s storytelling power, making his work timeless and influential.
Felix Mendelssohn was a German composer, pianist, organist, and conductor of the early Romantic period. He is best known for works that combine lyrical brilliance with Classical clarity. His famous pieces include the overture and incidental music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Italian and Scottish Symphonies, and the Violin Concerto in E minor. Born in Hamburg, he grew up in a cultured household. His grandfather was the Jewish philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. Felix was a child prodigy, but his parents were careful not to exploit his talent. His sister Fanny was also gifted, with some of her works published under his name.
Mendelssohn’s education included serious musical training and studies in languages and literature. A defining moment came in 1829 when he conducted a performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion, reviving Bach’s music. He became a key figure in Leipzig’s musical life, founding the Leipzig Conservatory in 1843. Mendelssohn’s later years were marked by overwork and declining health, and he died in Leipzig in 1847, aged 38.
