Literary Traditions: A Midsummer Night’s Dream…It’s Midsummer 2018!

OBERON

Through the house give gathering light,
By the dead and drowsy fire:
Every elf and fairy sprite
Hop as light as bird from brier;
And this ditty, after me,
Sing, and dance it trippingly.

TITANIA

First, rehearse your song by rote
To each word a warbling note:
Hand in hand, with fairy grace,
Will we sing, and bless this place.

Shakespeare, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 5, Scene 1

Music: Felix Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 21: Overture (Boston Symphony Orchestra with Kathleen Battle)

Video: Gerst