Review

Richard Wagner
Bridal Chorus from the opera “Lohengrin”:

Arranged by Michael Wall


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

The ‘Bridal Chorus’ from Lohengrin is also known as the tune Here Comes the Bride, a wedding standard. It is a must for any gigging brass quintet’s book. This straightforward arrangement is well scored for standard brass quintet, although the tuba part could easily be played on bass trombone. Both trumpet parts are given in b-flat; trumpet 1 extends to high c3. The trombone part is given in bass clef throughout. The arrangement remains true to the original. Melodic responsibility is given mainly to first trumpet. However, all the underlying parts still have interesting lines to play. Correct placement of the triplet sixteenth-note flourishes is the only ensemble challenge. Score and parts are easy to read with dynamics and measure numbers marked throughout. The arrangement can easily be lengthened or shortened for the bride’s arrival to the altar by way of repeats or cuts, a strong feature. A sample score can be found at www.Cherry-Classics.com.
 
-Patrick Lawrence
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point