Mendelssohn was blessed with an upbringing at the heart of European intellignetsia. His education included tales of magic and allegory, like the Fair Melusine, whose legs were transformed into the tail of a serpent. In his three motets, we hear the influence of Bach, Handel, Mozart, and the Romantic spirit. And with A Midsummer Night’s Dream we hear one of his greatest achievements-music inspired by a deep love and understanding of another genius, William Shakespeare.