Felix Mendelssohn, the composer, had already written overtures to several Singspiele and a Notturno by the age of seventeen.
Compositional Technique
Mendelssohn's 'Trumpet' Overture begins with a trumpet figure on the notes C and E, which recurs at structural points, giving the work its nickname.
Compositional Technique
In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Overture, Mendelssohn innovatively used the ophicleide, a recently patented hybrid instrument, to depict Bottom's braying and add a dark undertone to the fairy music.
Composition History
Mendelssohn composed the Overture to 'Ruy Blas' in just three days after initially disliking Victor Hugo's play and only agreeing to write the chorus for its production.
Composition History
Mendelssohn's 'Trumpet' Overture, despite its high opus number (Op. 101), was actually completed in March 1826, making it his earliest concert overture.
Composition History
Mendelssohn's 'Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage' Overture was a response to poems by Goethe, who had previously called the twelve-year-old Mendelssohn a prodigy surpassing Mozart.
Composition History
The Overture to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' was inspired by Mendelssohn's readings of Shakespeare's play with his sister, Fanny.
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