The Bridal Chorus from the opera Lohengrin, by German composer Richard Wagner, is the standard march played for the bride's entrance at most formal weddings in the United States and at many weddings thoughout the Western world. In English-speaking countries it is generally known as the "Wedding March" (though actually wedding march refers to any song accompanying the entrance of the bride) or "Here Comes the Bride". However, it is rarely played at Jewish weddings, as Wagner was a known anti-Semite. This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Lohengrin is a romantic opera in three acts by Richard Wagner. ... Richard Wagner Wilhelm Richard Wagner (May 22, 1813 in Leipzig – February 13, 1883 in Venice) was an influential German composer, conductor, music theorist, and essayist, primarily known for his groundbreaking symphonic-operas (or music dramas). His compositions are notable for their continuous contrapuntal texture, rich harmonies and orchestration, and elaborate... The examples and perspective in this article do not represent a worldwide view. ... The term Western world or the West can have multiple meanings depending on its context. ... A wedding march is a piece of music played during a wedding, usually during the entrance of the bride (processional) or the departure of the married couple at the end (recessional). ... The word Jew ( Hebrew: יהודי) is used in a wide number of ways, but generally refers to a follower of the Jewish faith, a child of a Jewish mother, or someone of Jewish descent with a connection to Jewish culture or ethnicity and often a combination of these attributes. ... The Eternal Jew: 1937 German poster. ...

Its usual placement at the beginning of a wedding ceremony is somewhat inappropriate: In the opera, the chorus is sung after the ceremony by the women of the wedding party, as they accompany the heroine Elsa to the bridal chamber. In addition, the marriage between Elsa and Lohengrin is an almost immediate failure.

Text

Although at most weddings the chorus is usually played without vocal accompaniment (usually on organ), in Lohengrin the wedding party sings these words: The Casavant pipe organ at Notre-Dame de Montréal Basilica, Montreal The organ is one of the oldest musical instruments in the western musical tradition, with a rich history connected with the Christian religion and civic ceremony. ...

Faithfully guided, draw near

to where the blessing of love shall preserve you!

Triumphant courage, the reward of love,

joins you in faith as the happiest of couples!

Champion of youth, proceed!

Jewel of youth, proceed!

Flee now the splendour of the wedding feast,

may the delights of the heart be yours!

This sweet-smelling room, decked for love,

now takes you in, away from the splendour.

Faithfully guided, draw now near

to where the blessing of love shall preserve you!

Triumphant courage, love so pure,

joins you in faith as the happiest of couples!

Eight women then sing a blessing to a separate melody. Eventually, the chorus returns with these words, gradually proceeding offstage:

Faithfully guarded, remain behind

where the blessing of love shall preserve you!

Triumphant courage, love and happiness

join you in faith as the happiest of couples.

Champion of youth, remain here!

Jewel of youth, remain here!

Flee now the splendows of the wedding feast,

may the delights of the heart be yours!

This sweet-smelling room, decked for love,

has now taken you, away from the splendour.

Faithfully guarded, remain behind

where the blessing of love shall preserve you!

Triumphant courage, love and happiness

join you in faith as the happiest of couples.

String Quartet Sound Clip of Bridal Chorus in Real Media Format

External links

• Easybyte - free easy piano arrangement of "Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin" plus midi sound file.