Who composed the opera A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Benjamin Britten composed the opera A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Britten’s Op. 64 is based on William Shakespeare’s comedy, but its libretto was prepared by Britten and his partner, tenor Peter Pears. Rather than setting the entire play, they reshaped it for the stage, giving particular emphasis to the fairy world and the action in the forest.

The opera premiered on 11 June 1960 at the Aldeburgh Festival in England. Britten conducted the first performance, and the production was directed by choreographer John Cranko. The score is especially known for its atmospheric orchestration, including harp, celesta and distinctive percussion effects.

A common mix-up is confusing the opera’s composer with Shakespeare, who wrote the original play, or with the librettists. Britten wrote the music; Shakespeare supplied the dramatic source, while Pears helped adapt the text. The role of Oberon was written for the celebrated countertenor Alfred Deller.