We have a collection of 9 arrangements for Richard Wagner - Lohengrin, WWV 75: Wedding March (Marcia Nuziale)
Why is Wagner's "Wedding March" from Lohengrin a staple in Western wedding ceremonies? Learn!
"Lohengrin" is an opera composed by Richard Wagner, and it is considered one of his most famous and enduring works. Here are some interesting facts about "Lohengrin," WWV 75:
Premiere Date: "Lohengrin" premiered on August 28, 1850, at the Stadttheater in Weimar, Germany. It was conducted by Franz Liszt, a fellow composer and friend of Wagner.
Romantic Opera: "Lohengrin" is classified as a Romantic opera, and it marked a departure from Wagner's earlier works in terms of style and subject matter. It is known for its rich orchestration and lyrical arias.
Inspired by Medieval Legends: The opera is based on Germanic legends and draws inspiration from medieval sources, particularly the legend of the Knight of the Swan. This legend tells the story of a mysterious knight who arrives on a boat drawn by swans to rescue a damsel in distress.
Wagner's Libretto: Wagner wrote the libretto (the text of the opera) for "Lohengrin" himself, which was a departure from his previous practice of using existing texts or collaborating with other writers. This allowed him greater control over the narrative.
Famous Bridal Chorus: "Lohengrin" features one of the most famous and recognizable pieces of classical music, the "Bridal Chorus" (often referred to as "Here Comes the Bride"). This music is traditionally played during wedding ceremonies.
Operatic Innovation: Wagner introduced several innovative musical and dramatic elements in "Lohengrin." One notable feature is the use of leitmotifs, recurring musical themes associated with specific characters, emotions, or ideas. This technique would become a hallmark of Wagner's later works.
Influence on Later Composers: "Lohengrin" had a profound influence on later composers, including Richard Strauss and Giuseppe Verdi. Strauss, in particular, admired Wagner's use of orchestration and incorporated some of those techniques into his own compositions.
Lengthy Epic: Like many of Wagner's operas, "Lohengrin" is quite lengthy. It typically runs for about four hours in performance, making it a significant commitment for both performers and audiences.
Popular in Festivals: "Lohengrin" is frequently performed at music festivals, including the Bayreuth Festival in Germany, which was established by Wagner himself to showcase his works. The festival remains a prominent venue for the performance of Wagner's operas.
Political and Nationalistic Themes: Wagner's operas, including "Lohengrin," often contain political and nationalistic themes. The character of Lohengrin has been interpreted as a symbol of the idealized Germanic hero, which added to the opera's appeal in 19th-century Germany.
"Lohengrin" continues to be a beloved and enduring part of the opera repertoire, celebrated for its beautiful music and rich storytelling.