Mendelssohn - A Midsummer Night's Dream is a stunningly beautiful and unique interpretation of Shakespeare's classic play set to Felix Mendelssohn's magical score. This 1990 film production stars renowned conductor and musician Sir John Eliot Gardiner as he leads the English Baroque Soloists and the Monteverdi Choir in a live performance of the music from Mendelssohn's celebrated work.
The film begins with an introduction from Gardiner who describes the origins of the music and its connection to the play. We are then transported to the stunning Glyndebourne Festival Opera House in East Sussex, England, where the performance takes place. The stage is set with a simple, rustic backdrop of trees and foliage that perfectly reflects the play's enchanting forest setting.
The production showcases a captivating cast of performers, including soprano Lynne Dawson, mezzo-soprano Della Jones, tenor Dominique Visse, and the actor Alexander Knox who narrates the play. The singers embody the characters from Shakespeare's classic tale, providing a truly immersive experience for the audience.
The performance features all of Mendelssohn's enchanting and euphoric music, including the famous Wedding March which has become a staple of modern-day weddings. The music is performed impeccably, capturing every nuance and emotion, from the tender lullabies to the boisterous and mischievous tunes that perfectly capture the mood and atmosphere of the play.
One of the most memorable moments of the production is when the fairy queen Titania, played by Dawson, sings "Oh, how I love thee," an aria in which she confesses her love for the character Bottom, who has been transformed into a donkey. With the enchanting backdrop of the forest and the ethereal music, the scene is a triumph of both music and theater.
Throughout the performance, Gardiner is a captivating presence, leading the ensemble with a level of passion, energy, and skill that is mesmerizing to see. His conducting is so precise that it almost becomes a dance, perfectly complementing the music and acting taking place on stage.
The final scenes of the film are a triumphant conclusion to this exquisite performance. The cast performs the beloved Wedding March as the characters gather together, celebrating their union and bringing the play to a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, Mendelssohn - A Midsummer Night's Dream is a captivating and enchanting interpretation of Shakespeare's beloved play, brought to life through the exquisite music of Felix Mendelssohn. With a stellar cast of performers, stunning visuals, and Sir John Eliot Gardiner's masterful conducting, this film is a truly unforgettable experience that evokes the magic and romance of one of the world's most cherished plays.
Mendelssohn - A Midsummer Night's Dream is a 2016 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.
