Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix. (1809–1847)

Ein Sommernachtstraum von Shakespeare...Op 61. Partitur.

Leipzig: Breitkopf & Härtel. [1848]. PN 774. 177pp. First edition of the full score of Mendelssohn's masterpiece, in a splendid half-leather and marble binding. Fine and rare.



One of the most important of Mendelssohn's works, and a key work of the Romantic period, it shows Mendelssohn at his most Romantic in terms of his love for the picturesque, his "visions of happy, enchanted worlds, sun-drenched fairy lands of elves and magic spells, in music that travels on gossamer wings." (David Dubal) To his sister, Mendelssohn said: " I have grown accustomed to composing in our garden. I am going to dream there the Midsummer Night's Dream." The overture was composed in 1826, the remainder of the work in 1843. Mendelssohn conducted the first stage performance (a private one) of the complete work at Potsdam on 14 October 1843, and the first public performance four days later in Berlin. The present edition includes the first publication the famous Wedding March for orchestra. (7954)
Printed Music
Classical Music