April showers bring May flowers, but the month of May launches the Season of Festivities, especially graduations and weddings. And these festivities generally have a formal entry and exit that require music!
For such occasions, iconic works like Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstances No. 1 and Mendelssohn’s Wedding March remain beloved (and supremely effective). But our Western canon offers a wealth of possibilities far beyond these two pieces. Thus, after several requests, I decided to compile a list of favorites, some of which fall outside of the ordinary categories of “processional” and “recessional.” Yet, to my ear they create vibrantly festive atmospheres. A few of the entries were Hank’s favorites, as well. And, on the whole, this list serves as a good supplement to our popular feature Music for Boys, that came originally from Hank’s pen.
Edward Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4, Op. 39
People have favored the traditional choice of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March, No. 1 for good reasons. After all, its inspiring melody has conveyed dignity, confidence, and hope across many years. Still, if you want a break from No. 1, you will find those same qualities in Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March, No. 4.
William Walton: Crown Imperial March
One of the classics for sure, frequently used at royal weddings. The Brits just have a knack for dignified public celebrations. In many ways the successor to Elgar, William Walton composed this march for the coronation of George VI in 1937. Here it is nicely played by a student orchestra in Aachen, Germany.
Gustav Holst: Suite in F for Military Band No. 2
This particular march by Holst would make for a sprightly entrance or recessional by a fabulous composer who had a heart for the wind band. Its middle section features an elegant theme that reminds us of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstances, No. 1. Getting to know Holst’s music, in general, is a treat. Enjoy this performance by “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band.
John Stanley: Trumpet Voluntary in D, Op. 6
The 18th-century English composer John Stanley was a friend of Handel and conducted many of Handel’s oratorios. Baroque composers like Handel and Stanley did much to foster the British traditions that later produced the works of Elgar and Walton.
John Williams: Olympic Fanfare
This fanfare won the heart of the world at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Considering Williams is one of the greatest-ever film composers, with a musical mind filled with every festive image imaginable, it’s no wonder he could write such a piece.
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: Procession of the Nobles
Another popular concert march comes from Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera Mlada. His particular gift for melody and colorful orchestrations make this a worthy choice and may lead you into a deeper exploration of his extraordinary music.
Anton Dvorak: Festival March, Op. 54
Written in 1879 to honor the silver wedding anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Elizabeth of Austria (better known as “Sissi”), this piece has a wonderful trumpet & brass fanfare and appears often on concert programs.
Felix Mendelssohn: War March of the Priests, Op. 74
This Romantic march was composed as incidental music for a production of Racine’s play Athalie. It is, therefore, quite dramatic and was designed to make a big impression.
Todd Stalter: With Uncommon Valor
This march from contemporary American composer Todd Stalter reflects the countless dynamic compositions written in recent years for American school bands. (The vitality of the American school bands is admired around the world.) The piece has found a life beyond that setting.
Michael Haydn – March in A Major
This march by the younger, and often overlooked, brother of Joseph Haydn is just one of many such pieces composed by classical masters for informal outdoor celebrations frequently given by their royal patrons.
John Philip Sousa: Wedding March
A Wedding March, but not the one you are expecting. This one is by John Phillip Sousa, written in 1918. It is solemn, joyful, and has its own tradition.
Johann Strauss, Sr: Radetzsky March
This may be the most fun piece of music ever written! In fact, it ought to be a requirement at the end of any festive event! The tradition (who knows when it began) of clapping to it as in this recording has circled the globe and is infectious, no matter what your age! The piece is especially beloved in Vienna, where the senior Strauss made his illustrious career, followed by his nephew/son’s (Johann Strauss, Jr., the Waltz King) even more illustrious achievements.
Often called the “Huldigung March,” this march is regal, straightforward, and very satisfying to program for a formal occasion.
A personal favorite of mine, this piece associated with Christmas (“On this Day Earth Shall Ring!”) has a marvelous effect any time, any place. It will put a bit of “medieval elegance” into your celebration. Be careful though: the melody is hypnotic. If you teach it to the little kids in your family, they may never stop singing it.
Another old melody I happen to love (true, it’s in triple rhythm, so it’s a bit awkward that way, but Hank and I used it for our own wedding processional). It’s based on a vocal piece telling the story of the Battle of Agincourt (1415). You’ll find different versions of the original song, but here is an organ arrangement, which is what we used at that wedding. You could also use it to establish a festive mood before the formal procession begins.
