Deborah Chan
The Bridal Chorus or Here Comes the Bride, commonly known as the wedding march, is a song often played during the bridal procession at weddings. The song, composed by Richard Wagner, is an opera in German, titled Treulich geführt. While the song is usually played on an organ without singing, some contemporary lyrics have been written for it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Original Language | German |
| Original Title | "Treulich geführt" |
| Translation | "Faithfully escorted, draw near, Where the blessing of love preserves you! Victorious courage, winning love, unite in fidelity into the happiest pair. Strider of Virtue, step forward! Adornment of Youth, step forward! Rushing of the festival be now escaped, Joy of the heart be now won for you! Fragrant room, adorned for love, receive you now, enraptured by splendor." |
| Original Composer | Richard Wagner |
| Original Opera | Lohengrin |
| Year of Composition | 1850 |
| English Title | "Here Comes the Bride" or "Wedding March" |
| Alternative Composer | Felix Mendelssohn |
| Religious Controversy | Some Christian churches disagree with the use of the "Bridal Chorus" at wedding ceremonies due to its association with theatre and sentimentality rather than worship. |
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What You'll Learn
'Bridal Chorus' is the original German name for the wedding march
The "Bridal Chorus", also known as "Here Comes The Bride", is a piece from German composer Richard Wagner's 1850 opera "Lohengrin". The original German name of the piece is "Treulich geführt", which translates to "Faithful and True". The piece is a vocal one, sung by a choir in the opera, although it is often played on an organ without singing at most weddings.
The "Bridal Chorus" is not played during the bridal procession in the opera. Instead, it is played after the wedding, accompanying the newlywed couple as they leave the ceremony and make their way to the bridal chamber. Wagner himself referred to the piece as 'Hochzeitsmarsch' or 'wedding march' in German. The association of Wagner's piece with weddings appears to have originated when it was used as the processional at the wedding of Victoria the Princess Royal to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858.
The "Bridal Chorus" has lyrics, which are in German. The original German text refers explicitly to the couple's journey towards their new life together. The lyrics begin:
> Treulich geführt, ziehet dahin,
> Wo euch der Segen der Liebe bewahr!
> Siegreicher Mut, Minnegewinn,
> Eint euch in Treue zum seligsten Paar.
Some Christian churches disagree with the use of the "Bridal Chorus" at wedding ceremonies because it is seen as a theatrical piece and because its frequent use in film and television associates it with sentimentality rather than worship.
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The wedding march is a slow-tempo composition
The wedding march, also known as the "Bridal Chorus", has become a staple of wedding ceremonies in the Western world. Wagner's piece gained popularity when it was used at the wedding of Victoria, the Princess Royal, to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858. Since then, it has been associated with the grand entrance of the bride, adding a touch of elegance and solemnity to the occasion.
While the traditional lyrics to the "Bridal Chorus" are rarely sung at modern weddings, some couples may choose to incorporate them into their ceremony for a unique and classic touch. The lyrics speak of faithfulness, triumph, and the blessings of love, capturing the essence of the wedding celebration. They are often seen as a beautiful expression of the joy and commitment that the bride and groom are embarking upon.
However, it is important to note that some Christian churches disagree with the use of the "Bridal Chorus" at wedding ceremonies due to its association with theatre and sentimentality. In such cases, couples may opt for alternative musical choices or instrumental versions of the wedding march.
Despite varying opinions on the use of the "Bridal Chorus," the wedding march remains a beloved tradition for many couples. The slow tempo and stately character of the composition set the tone for a dignified and memorable bridal procession, creating lasting memories for the couple and their loved ones.
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Richard Wagner's 'Here Comes the Bride' is a popular wedding march
Richard Wagner's "Here Comes the Bride" is a popular wedding march, often used for the bride's entrance at formal weddings in the Western world. The piece, also known as the "Bridal Chorus" or "Wedding March", is from Wagner's 1850 opera "Lohengrin". While it is typically played on an organ without singing at weddings, there are original lyrics in German: "Treulich geführt, ziehet dahin, Wo euch der Segen der Liebe bewahr!".
The "Bridal Chorus" gained popularity when it was used at the wedding of Victoria, the Princess Royal, to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858. In the opera, the chorus is sung by the women of the wedding party as they accompany the heroine Elsa to her bridal chamber. The lyrics they sing are as follows:
> Faithful and true, we lead ye forth, where love triumphant shall crown you with joy! Star of renown, flow'r of the earth, blest be ye both far from all life’s annoy. Champion victorious, go thou before! Maid bright and glorious, go thou before! Mirth’s noisy revel ye’ve forsaken, tender delights for you now awaken! Fragrant abode enshrine ye in bliss, splendor and state in joy yet dismiss.
However, some Christian churches disagree with using the "Bridal Chorus" in wedding ceremonies due to its association with theatre and sentimentality rather than worship. Additionally, many Jewish couples avoid Wagner's music because of his antisemitic views and stated lack of respect for Jewish music. Despite this, "Here Comes the Bride" remains a well-known and traditional choice for wedding processionals.
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The Lutheran Church opposes the use of the 'Bridal Chorus' at weddings
The "Bridal Chorus", commonly known as "Here Comes the Bride", is a march played for the bride's entrance at many formal weddings throughout the Western world. The piece is from the 1850 opera "Lohengrin" by German composer Richard Wagner. While the "Bridal Chorus" is a popular choice for weddings, some Christian churches, including the Lutheran Church, have expressed opposition to its use in wedding ceremonies.
The Lutheran Church's opposition to the "Bridal Chorus" has historical and theological roots. According to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, their disapproval of the piece dates back to before the First World War when Lutherans were generally opposed to theatre and similar forms of entertainment. Wagner's operas, including "Lohengrin", were considered to depict pagan stories and themes, which conflicted with Lutheran religious beliefs.
Additionally, the "Bridal Chorus" is not originally intended as a processional to the altar in the opera. In "Lohengrin", the chorus is sung by the women of the wedding party as they accompany the heroine Elsa to her bridal chamber after the marriage ceremony. The use of the "Bridal Chorus" in a different context within the opera may contribute to the Lutheran Church's discomfort with the piece.
Furthermore, the frequent use of the "Bridal Chorus" in film and television has associated it with sentimentality rather than worship. Churches that have a rule against using music from theatre or films may also disallow the "Bridal Chorus" for wedding processionals. Instead, they may opt for traditional hymns or other sacred music that aligns with their religious beliefs and the solemnity of the occasion.
It is important to respect the beliefs and guidelines of the religious institution where a wedding is taking place. Couples planning a wedding in a Lutheran Church or similar setting should consult with the appropriate authorities to ensure their music choices align with the church's teachings and traditions. While the "Bridal Chorus" may be a well-known and popular choice, there are alternative options that can still create a meaningful and memorable wedding ceremony.
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The wedding march accompanies the bridal procession
The wedding march is a musical composition played during a wedding procession to accompany the bride's entrance. It is typically a march of slow tempo and stately character. The term "wedding march" can refer to any piece in march tempo accompanying the entrance or exit of the bride, such as Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" or Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" from the opera "Lohengrin."
Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" is also known as "Here Comes the Bride" in English-speaking countries. While it is typically played on an organ without singing at most weddings, the original opera does include lyrics in German: "Treulich geführt, ziehet dahin, Wo euch der Segen der Liebe bewahr!" Some contemporary lyrics in English have been written to accompany the tune, such as "Faithful and true, we lead ye forth, where love triumphant shall crown you with joy! Star of renown, flow'r of the earth, blest be ye both far from all life's annoy."
The use of the "Bridal Chorus" at wedding ceremonies is not universally accepted. Some Christian churches, such as the Lutheran Church and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, have expressed opposition to the piece because of its association with theatre and sentimentality rather than worship. However, Wagner's piece gained popularity when it was used at the wedding of Victoria the Princess Royal to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858.
The wedding march is often accompanied by rowdy pomp and ceremony, creating an atmosphere of celebration and emotion. It sets the tone for the wedding and can be a memorable part of the bridal procession, with the music chosen to reflect the couple's tastes and personalities. Whether traditional or contemporary, instrumental or vocal, the wedding march plays a significant role in many wedding ceremonies, adding grandeur and solemnity to the bridal entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding march is a musical composition played during a wedding procession.
The traditional wedding march, "Here Comes the Bride" or "Bridal Chorus", does have lyrics, but they are rarely used in modern weddings. The original lyrics are in German and are from the opera "Lohengrin" by Richard Wagner.
The original German lyrics, or the "Treulich geführt", are as follows: "Treulich geführt, ziehet dahin, Wo euch der Segen der Liebe bewahr! Siegreicher Mut, Minnegewinn, eint euch in Treue zum seligsten Paar".
Yes, there are contemporary English lyrics that have been written for the wedding march. One version begins with "Faithful and true, we lead ye forth, where love triumphant shall crown you with joy!".
Some Christian churches, such as the Lutheran Church and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, disagree with the use of the "Bridal Chorus" because it is associated with theatre and sentimentality rather than worship.
