Festspiel (1829) „Die Hochzeit kommt”

for six solo voices (SSSTBB), 4-part mixed choir and orchestra (Marilee Vana),
Text: Wilhelm Hensel
First publication

Instrumentation: strings, 2.2.2.-2.3.0.0., timp.
Orchestral material on loan

Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn composed Festspiel, her first major work with orchestra, for her parents’ silver wedding anniversary. Hensel set this three-part scenic work to a text by Wilhelm Hensel. It is an allegorical representation of three weddings, the first, the silver, and the golden. The festival play is a good-humored work in a celebratory mood with humorous elements and lyrical melodies, culminating in a joyful chorus of praise and thanksgiving.