Franklin Dean
Felix Mendelssohn's Wedding March in C major, written in 1842, is one of the most well-known wedding songs. It is frequently used as a recessional at weddings in many Western countries, often played on a church pipe organ. The piece was originally composed as incidental music for Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream. It did not become popular at weddings until it was selected by Queen Victoria's daughter, Victoria, The Princess Royal, for her marriage to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composer | Felix Mendelssohn |
| Year composed | 1842 |
| Key | C major |
| Opus number | Op. 61 |
| Album | A Midsummer Night's Dream |
| Genre | Classical |
| Mood | Joyful, celebrational |
| Lyrics | No |
| Instruments | Church pipe organ |
| Usage | Recessional, bridal party exit |
| Religious restrictions | Yes |
| Notable users | Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, The Princess Royal |
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What You'll Learn
The song's history
"The Wedding March", composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1842, is one of the most well-known pieces of wedding music. It is frequently played as a recessional at the end of wedding ceremonies in many Western countries, often on a church pipe organ. The piece was originally incidental music for Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
The piece did not become popular at weddings until Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, The Princess Royal, used it for her wedding to Prince Frederick William of Prussia on 25 January 1858. Queen Victoria and her husband, Albert, were very fond of Mendelssohn and his music. The composer often played for them during his visits to Britain.
The "Wedding March" is a joyful and celebrational piece, perfect for a grand exit after the wedding. It is often played alongside other famous wedding marches, such as the Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner and Jeremiah Clarke's "Prince of Denmark's March".
Despite its popularity, the "Wedding March" is not without controversy. Some people question its appropriateness for a wedding, while others debate its religious suitability. It is important to consider these factors and any religious restrictions before choosing to include the "Wedding March" in a wedding ceremony.
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Religious restrictions
The use of Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" in weddings is subject to varying religious restrictions, particularly in the Catholic Church. While some couples have requested this piece for their Catholic wedding recessional, others have been informed that it is not appropriate due to its secular nature and origins as a love song. The decision to allow or disallow the "Wedding March" in Catholic weddings ultimately rests with the pastor's discretion.
In the Catholic Church, wedding music is intended to bring greater honour and glory to God. As a result, some churches may restrict the use of non-religious or secular music during the ceremony, including popular wedding songs like Ave Maria and Pié Jésu. Couples planning a Catholic wedding are often advised to select live, sacred songs for their ceremony, which may limit their musical choices.
However, the level of restriction can vary between churches and denominations. Some churches may be more flexible, allowing a mix of religious and non-religious songs, while others may have stricter guidelines that prohibit any non-religious music. It is important for couples to communicate with their church and musicians to understand the specific restrictions that apply to their wedding.
It is worth noting that religious restrictions on wedding music are not limited to the Catholic Church. In civil ceremonies, for example, there may be a prohibition on music with religious content, though the interpretation of this rule can vary. While songs like Ave Maria may be considered too religious for a civil ceremony, other songs with religious references, like Turn, Turn, Turn by The Byrds, may be allowed due to their secular popularity and cultural context.
Ultimately, the religious restrictions on wedding songs, including Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," can vary depending on the specific church, denomination, and type of ceremony. Couples should be prepared to work within these guidelines and find creative solutions, such as choosing alternative songs or working with their musicians to select appropriate repertoire that aligns with the religious and spiritual themes of their wedding.
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Recessional vs processional
The Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn, written in 1842, is one of the most well-known wedding songs. It is frequently used as a recessional song, though it is also played during the processional. The song is often played on a church pipe organ, though it can also be played on a spinet organ or harp.
The processional is when the to-be-wed walks down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony. Couples may opt for a traditional processional song, such as Mendelssohn's "Wedding March", or something more contemporary. Other popular choices for the processional include "May it Be" by Enya, "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring", and "Caribbean Blue".
The recessional is when the couple walks down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, after the wedding has been officiated. The recessional song is often joyful and celebratory, such as Mendelssohn's "Wedding March", or "Say Hey (I Love You)" by Michael Franti. Other couples may opt for more traditional songs like "Air on a G String" by Bach or Pachelbel's "Canon".
It is important to note that the "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn may not be suitable for all venues due to religious restrictions. Couples should also consider that the song has been overused in popular culture, which may detract from the uniqueness of their wedding.
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Mendelssohn's original composition
Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" in C major, written in 1842, is one of the best-known pieces from his suite of incidental music for Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It is one of the most frequently used wedding marches and is often played on a church pipe organ.
The "Wedding March" only became widely used in weddings after Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, The Princess Royal, selected it for her marriage to Prince Frederick William of Prussia on 25 January 1858. Queen Victoria and her husband, Albert, were very fond of Mendelssohn and often spent time with him when he visited Britain. They enjoyed playing the composer's "Songs Without Words" and singing selections from his oratorios.
The "Wedding March" is commonly used as a recessional in many Western countries, although it is often stripped of its episodes in this context. It is frequently paired with the Bridal Chorus from Richard Wagner's opera "Lohengrin" or Jeremiah Clarke's "Prince of Denmark's March", both of which are often played for the bride's entrance.
Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" has a complex history that is worth considering before choosing it for a wedding. The piece is often associated with "A Midsummer Night's Dream", and some people may find it inappropriate for a wedding context. However, it is important to note that most guests at a wedding are unlikely to have read or seen the play.
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Other wedding marches
Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" in C major, written in 1842, is one of the best-known wedding marches. It is generally played on a church pipe organ and is often used as a recessional at the end of the wedding ceremony.
While Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is one of the most popular choices for weddings, there are several other pieces that are commonly used as wedding marches. Here are some alternatives:
- Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" from the opera Lohengrin is often played for the bride's entrance. It is widely recognised as wedding entrance music.
- Jeremiah Clarke's "Prince of Denmark's March" is another popular choice for the bride's entrance.
- Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale" is a song with lyrics written by Keith that is sometimes used in weddings.
- "O Sacred Head Surrounded" is a love song that has been used in Catholic weddings.
- Steve Millikan's "Lullabies Vol. 1" is an album that contains songs suitable for weddings, including lullabies for when children are present.
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Frequently asked questions
Felix Mendelssohn composed the Wedding March in C major in 1842 as incidental music for Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. It only became popular at weddings when Queen Victoria's daughter, Victoria, The Princess Royal, selected it for her wedding to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858.
The Wedding March by Mendelssohn is commonly used as a recessional at the end of a wedding ceremony, often played on a church pipe organ.
The Wedding March is one of the most frequently used wedding marches and is considered a joyful and celebrational song. However, it is not mandatory, and there are other factors to consider, such as personal preferences and religious guidelines.
Yes, the Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn is available on Spotify.
