Richard Wagner (1813–1883) was largely self taught in music. His
harmonic extremes were still to come when he wrote Lohengrin in 1848. This
piece, also known as “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral,” occurs
at Act II, Scene 4, where all are going to the Minster for the ceremony that
will occur at the beginning of Act III. The famous Prelude and the Bridal Chorus
(“Here Comes the Bride”), which was first used at the wedding of
Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, to Prince Frederick William
of Prussia in 1858, have both been transcribed frequently. So, you can see
that
this is the real Wedding March!
Alfred Herbert Brewer was born in Gloucester, England, on June 21, 1865. Unlike Wagner, he was highly
educated and well-trained in music. He studied organ with such teachers as Charles Villiers Stanford, he won scholarships,
he earned multiple degrees, he was awarded Hon.R.A.M. and F.R.C.O, and was knighted by the king. He was a well-rounded
musician who was able to bring orchestral favorites to the organ in transcriptions that are approachable and always easier
to play than those by other well-known organists such as Edwin Lemare. Procession to the Minster is of only
moderate difficulty.
