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The wedding march is a style of music played before, during, or after a wedding ceremony. There are two wedding marches that are used all over the world: Wagner's Bridal Chorus (often called Here Comes the Bride), and Felix Mendelssohn's Wedding March. The former is often used when the bride walks down the aisle, and the latter is used as the couple exits. The tradition of playing these songs at weddings started with Queen Victoria of England, who chose both songs for her wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | 'Wedding March' |
| Composer | Felix Mendelssohn |
| Other Names | Mendelssohn's Wedding March, Bridal Chorus, Here Comes the Bride |
| Opera | Lohengrin |
| Language | German |
| Translation | "Faithfully guided, draw near / to where the blessing of love shall preserve you." |
| Alternative | Prince of Denmark's March |
| Instrumentation | Flute, violin, cello |
| Tempo | Begins with a joyful fanfare |
| Structure | Rondo |
| Other Wedding Marches | Wagner's Bridal Chorus, Trumpet Voluntary, Canon in D, Trumpet Tune, Gloria |
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What You'll Learn
Wagner's 'Bridal Chorus'
Wagner's Bridal Chorus, also known as "Here Comes the Bride", is a widely recognised piece of music that is often played at weddings. The piece originates from the 1850 opera Lohengrin, composed by German composer Richard Wagner, who also wrote the libretto. In the opera, the Bridal Chorus is a vocal piece sung by the choir as the women of the wedding party accompany the heroine Elsa to her bridal chamber.
The use of Wagner's Bridal Chorus at wedding ceremonies is believed to have gained popularity following the 1858 wedding of Princess Victoria, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, and Prince Frederick William of Prussia. The princess is said to have processed to the altar to Wagner's piece, before the newlywed couple recessed to Felix Mendelssohn's Wedding March. This royal endorsement is thought to have set a trend, with couples subsequently adopting the songs for their own weddings.
In English-speaking countries, Wagner's Bridal Chorus is commonly played as the bride's entrance music at formal weddings. However, it is worth noting that the piece has faced some opposition from certain Christian churches due to its theatrical associations and its portrayal of pagan stories and themes.
Despite this controversy, Wagner's Bridal Chorus remains a popular choice for wedding processionals, often referred to as the "Wedding March". It is recognised as one of the most enduring wedding traditions, with its roots in royal weddings. Couples may choose to stick with this traditional piece or opt for something more modern or personal to them.
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Mendelssohn's 'Wedding March'
The traditional wedding march song, simply called the "Wedding March", was written by German composer Felix Mendelssohn. It was first used by Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, the eldest child of Queen Victoria, and her groom, Frederick William IV of Prussia, for their wedding on January 25, 1858. The princess processed to the altar to Wagner's piece, and the newlywed couple recessed to Mendelssohn's "Wedding March".
Before the 1858 royal wedding, music was generally only played at the wedding reception. However, due to the princess' love of opera and the music of Wagner and Mendelssohn, she decided to incorporate their music into her ceremony. This set a trend for couples to use the same music at their weddings. In modern times, the pieces are often used the other way around, with Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" used as the processional and Wagner's piece used for the recessional.
Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" began life on stage and was not originally written for a wedding. The composer gave recitals of the piece on an organ housed in St Ann's Church, Tottenham. Franz Liszt wrote a virtuoso transcription of the "Wedding March and Dance of the Elves" in 1849-50. Based on Liszt's transcription, Vladimir Horowitz transcribed the "Wedding March" into a virtuoso showpiece for piano, which he played as an encore at his concerts.
The "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn is a popular choice for weddings, with many couples opting for the traditional route for their ceremony music. Some brides still choose to walk down the aisle to "Here Comes the Bride" and back down the aisle to "Wedding March". However, many couples also choose to use music that is more modern or personally significant to them.
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'Canon in D'
The traditional wedding march song is called 'Wedding March' and was composed by Felix Mendelssohn. It is one of the two wedding marches that are used all over the world, with the other being composed by Wagner. The tradition of playing these songs at weddings started with Queen Victoria of England, who chose Wagner's piece for her entrance and Mendelssohn's for her exit.
However, 'Canon in D', also known as 'Canon in D Major', has become one of the most popular wedding songs in Western society. It is a classical piece of music composed by Johann Pachelbel in the late 17th or early 18th century. There is speculation that it was written as a gift for the wedding of Johann Sebastian Bach's older brother, who studied with Pachelbel.
While some brides still opt for the traditional 'Here Comes the Bride' or 'Bridal Chorus', others prefer to use a piece of music that is more modern or personally meaningful to them. 'Canon in D' offers a beautiful and emotional alternative to the traditional wedding march, allowing couples to create a unique and memorable experience for their special day.
In conclusion, while the traditional wedding march song is 'Wedding March' by Mendelssohn, 'Canon in D' by Pachelbel has become a widely recognized and beloved choice for weddings, with its elegant and timeless melody capturing the hearts of couples worldwide.
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'Pachabel Canon in D'
The traditional wedding march song is 'Wedding March' by German composer Felix Mendelssohn. It was chosen by Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, the oldest child of Queen Victoria, for her wedding in 1858.
Now, onto the 'Pachabel Canon in D'. This centuries-old composition by Johann Pachelbel is one of the most well-known songs used during wedding ceremonies. It is speculated that it was written as a gift for the wedding of Johann Sebastian Bach's older brother, who studied with Pachelbel. The piece is believed to date back to the late 17th or early 18th century, and it is widely considered that the oldest existing manuscript of the piece is a 19th-century copy found in the Berlin State Library in Germany.
The piece is a relatively light and minor work, and its religious connections may contribute to its appeal for wedding ceremonies. Its enduring popularity is evident, with some people expressing surprise when it is not included in wedding ceremonies. 'Pachabel Canon in D' has transcended time and geography to become a beloved and familiar part of wedding traditions.
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'Trumpet Voluntary'
"Trumpet Voluntary", also known as "'The Prince of Denmark's March", is one of the most well-known and frequently performed wedding processional songs. It was originally not written for the trumpet but as a march for the organ, using the trumpet stop to create a distinctive sound. The piece dates back to the Baroque period around 1700 and was composed by Jeremiah Clarke, who was an accomplished musician and the organist at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The piece was originally attributed to English composer Henry Purcell, but this was incorrect.
The "Trumpet Voluntary" has been featured in many notable weddings, including the Royal Wedding of 1981 between HRH Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. It is often chosen for its elegant and regal sound, adding a touch of grandeur to the wedding ceremony. The piece is also versatile, as it can be played on different instruments, including the organ, harpsichord, and trumpet, making it a popular choice for couples who want to incorporate live music into their wedding.
The "Trumpet Voluntary" is a piano rondo without lyrics, and its melody is often remembered for its inclusion in the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. The piece has also been used by musicians and performers outside of the wedding context, including The Beatles, Sting, and Peter Sellers, showcasing its enduring appeal and versatility.
While the "Trumpet Voluntary" is a popular choice for wedding processional music, there are other traditional options as well. The "'Wedding March', composed by Felix Mendelssohn, is another well-known wedding song that is often used during the recessional. This piece also has roots in a royal wedding, chosen by Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, the oldest child of Queen Victoria, for her wedding in 1858. Other traditional options include the "Bridal Chorus" or "Here Comes the Bride", which is known for its opera origins, and the Canon in D, a classical piece that many couples find sentimental and elegant.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional wedding march song is called "
Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is also known as the Bridal Chorus or Here Comes the Bride.
Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is in the key of C.
Another popular wedding march song is Wagner's "Bridal Chorus", which is often called Here Comes the Bride.
Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" is in the key of Bb.
