Columnist should learn his Mendelessohnian history

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Michael Fink, as an English teacher, should know a bit more about “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – William Shakespeare’s play and Felix Mendelssohn’s music by the same name – before writing about them (“Midsummer night’s dreams” in the June 21 issue).

Mendelssohn was inspired to write his Overture (in 1826, when he was just 17!) as homage to Shakespeare’s comedy, a favorite of the Mendelssohn children. The Overture, initially, was not otherwise connected to the play. In 1843, on a commission from the King of Prussia (William, not the town in Pennsylvania), Mendelssohn wrote a complete suite, including the famous Wedding March, to accompany the play.

Also, perhaps Mr. Fink was auditioning for the role of Robin Goodfellow (Puck) himself when he suggested that June 21 is the summer equinox. June 21 is the summer solstice. The equinoxes occur in the spring and fall.

Barry Rubin
South Attleboro, Mass.