Publisher Desc.  Mendelssohn abhorred Victor Hugo's play Ruy Blas however he deemed worthy the Leipzig Theatrical Pension Fund who were producing the play. He hurriedly composed an overture in standard early romantic sonata form with dark opening chords, two distinct themes, development, restatement, and a final coda. Originally scored for winds, brass and strings, this orchestration contrasts colors between brass and woodwinds where the strings were contrasted between the woodwinds and brass. This overture is still popular today with audiences and is fun to perform. A lyrical melody contrasts with running scale passages providing excitement and technical challenge. Grade 3+ to 4. Oversize score: Legal size 8 x14.