Richard Wagner :: Lohengrin: Prelude, Act III


 

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Wagner, Richard
1813-1883
(b Leipzig, 22 May 1813; d Venice, 13 Feb 1883). German
Lohengrin: Prelude, Act III <1846–1847>
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In the opera, the prelude segues into the quiet Wedding Chorus of Act III (sometimes referred to as the "Hoffmann ending").
Kalmus also offers a version with the "Toscanini ending," which ends climactically after stating the
Warning motive from Act I (sung first by Lohengrin to the words "Nie sollst du mich befragen"). Musicians sometimes refer to this as the "Swan Lake" ending, because the Warning motive resembles a prominent theme in Tchaikovsky's ballet.
Perhaps the simplest procedure for ending this work is merely to make a fermata at the climactic G major chord (at rehearsal letter [E]), holding it until the pent-up energy has dissipated.