Music with Ease > Classical Music > Concert Guide: Romantic Era > Overture to "Ruy Blas". Op. 95. (Mendelssohn)

The overture to "Ruy Blas" was written in 1839 for the benefits of the Leipzig Theater Pension fund, but as Mendelssohn was dissatisfied with it as well as with the play, it was not published until after the composer’s death. It begins with four bars, rather slow and stately in character, leading to a suggestion of the first theme in the strings. Both are repeated with certain modifications, and then the principal theme is given out by the first violins and flutes accompanied by the other strings. The slow opening is again repeated, leading to the second theme, which is only indicated. After a few measures the theme is boldly given out by clarinet, bassoon, and ‘cellos. A short episode follows, and the second subject is also developed. The various themes then appear in due order, and a vigorous Coda closes the overture.