Great Moments in Opera - Lohengrin's "Wedding March" by Wagner

Richard Wagner's "Lohengrin" is a love storyceremony is performed, Lohengrin once again is
between Elsa of Brabant and a knight from achallenged by Telramound. It being on this
distant land by the name of Lohengrin whooccasion however that Lohengrin deals
appears on a lake guided by a swan to defendTelramound the death blow he did not during their
the honor of Elsa, whose brother Telramund isfirst encounter which prompts Elsa to break her
demanding she hand over her land. It is as soonpromise and ask the name of her knight; who
as he appears however that Lohengrin offers hisgives response yet the ceremony which was to
services yet there is a condition which he insistsunite does not take place as Lohengrin takes his
upon. This being that Elsa never ask either hisleave. Elsa for her part who had truly taken to
name or where it is that he comes from, tothe ways of love for Lohengrin, falls dead at the
which she gladly agrees to in order to obtain thesight of her knight leaving her in an act that would
defense of the one she hopes will be her knight inbring a tragic ending to the opera.
shining armor.In conclusion I would say that Wagner's wedding
Lohengrin then proceeds to defeat Elsa's brothermarch is one that in not only my opinion but in
Telramund in combat though he spares him histhat of many others, portrays all the grandness
life; after which Elsa consents to marry Lohengrin.of a wedding ceremony; as it slowly and regally
It is at that moment (at the start of the 3rd act)captures all the majestic mood of a lovely bride
as Elsa is making her way to the alter that themaking her way to the alter with attire to match
opera's wedding march and Bridal chorus is heard;a queen. Having said this as truth I do however
as Elsa comes to the man she is hopeful offind it strange that so many would play it at their
marrying. It being this music which captures Elsa'sweddings. This being the case since the wedding
beauty and all the lovely features that haveceremony that was to be did not take place and
drawn Lohengrin toward her, as she almost glidesthe story of Elsa and Lohengrin is one which I
toward the place where the ceremony is to takeimagine most couples would like to avoid yet
place; that has become a standard at practicallydespite everything; Wagner's wedding march is
every wedding through out the entire world.played through out most of the world. My
It was then that perhaps a wedding should havesentiments being that perhaps those couples who
taken place with happily ever after following yetchoose to have this piece played at their
this is an opera by Wagner where such joyfulweddings probably feel that they can avoid the
conclusions are not to be found, as before thetragic ending suffered by Elsa and Lohengrin.