Mendelssohn composed “ Ruy Blas” in 1839 for a performance in Leipzig of Victor Hugo’s play (1838) of the same name. The work calls for four horns and three trombones giving it the largest orchestral forces of Mendelssohn's concert overtures.

Mendelssohn wrote the overture and had the parts copied out in only six days, just in time for rehearsals and the first performance on the following day. As with many Mendelssohn compositions, “ Ruy Blas” has come down to us in more than one version.

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