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- Mendelssohn, Felix
Duration: 7 minutes
Description: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed his RUY BLAS OVERTURE, Op. 95 in 1839 at the request of the Leipzig Theatrical Pension Fund, which sought an orchestral introduction to Victor Hugo’s drama “Ruy Blas”. Although Mendelssohn reportedly disliked the play, he produced the overture in a remarkably short time, crafting a work of striking energy, dramatic contrast, and structural clarity. The overture opens with a bold, declamatory gesture before unfolding into a whirlwind of agitation and lyrical counter-melodies that evoke the tension and emotional sweep of Hugo’s tragic story. Despite the composer’s lack of enthusiasm for its source material, the music brims with Mendelssohn’s signature brilliance. Premiered on March 11, 1839, in Leipzig, the RUY BLAS OVERTURE quickly became a concert favorite, far outlasting the play that inspired it. Today, it stands as one of Mendelssohn’s most vibrant orchestral showpieces, admired for its dramatic flair and masterful orchestration. Instrumentation:2.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.