Dreams of a Midsummer Night

Written in the style of an overture, “Dreams of a Midsummer Night” is not a tone poem depicting specific actions in the play, but instead uses themes to represent characters in Shakespeare’s beloved comedy. These themes include: the acrobatic and mischievous sounds of Puck (m. 20), a peasant-like tune representing the rustics (m. 62), Bottom’s braying after his head is transformed into that of a donkey’s (m. 80), and a simple yet beautiful lover’s theme (m. 117). A hint of Debussy’s “Claire de Lune” (m. 139), adds to the passion and magic of the night.