UMich Symphony Band - Richard Wagner - Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral (1850)

University of Michigan Symphony Band
Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral (1850)
Richard Wagner, transcribed by Lucien Cailliet

Michael Haithcock, conductor

February 5, 2016
Hill Auditorium
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

recorded and filmed by Dave Schall

[pennyp]

I haven't played this song in years. I can almost still see the 😂neverending crescendo 😂😂❤

[jesse]

I played this in high school - one of my all-time favorites!

[danawinsor]

This performance is as good as it gets. Bravo UMich Symphony Band!

[danedwards]

This is absolutely amazing. Tuning, balance, phrasing, commitment, correct Tempo, full breathing. Bravo from an old british pro!

[johnnyjohns]

When I was in the MS State Symphonic Band in the early seventies we were invited to play for the National Collegiate Band Directors Association meeting at LSU we did this number and it was one of those times when everything was perfect! Such a great feeling of perfection!

[codywright]

Damn this piece is something special. This band is too for playing it that well. I am ecstatic to have the privilege of playing this in my high school's wind ensemble! The concert we play this at is going to be one for the ages

[jamesvanover]

The single most beautiful and stirring piece of music I have ever heard or played. Listening to this, I feel like I'm on that final trip to enter the gates of Heaven.

[RoberttAvro]

On a California tour with the University of British Columbia Wind Symphony under director Martin Berinbaum back in the mid 70's, we had a bus poll one day, which was our favorite tour piece, and Elsa's Procession was the winner. I still remember that. And as a trombone player, I gotta tell you, it was an easy decision. Those powerful chromatic melodies, the slow and majestic buildup to the great brass finale, and just the general musical craftsmanship. Truly a masterpiece.

[nmusic]

Love those French Horns !!! Beautiful harmonies !!

[ColonelMarcellus]

I'm glad to see several bassoons in this ensemble.

[titonerves]

Oooohhh... beautiful version !!! the saxophones bring so much to this almost "silky" atmosphere... when you know more about the whole story, this piece doesn't give a clue to the nasty action that will soon follow. The calm before the (mean) storm !!!

[wimbusbert]

Dang, this video has great resolution for being recorded in 1850! Colorized, too!

[thefruitofpassion]

I remember when I went to band camp my jr year we got to play this song and they had a huge pipe organ that they played on instead of a harp and boy did that sound amazing. I considered to be the most beautiful piece of music I knew at the time, and still on of the top. The goosbumps of being right in the middle of that sound was one of the greatest feelings I've had. What I'd give to go back and do that again.

[stefanopiovani]

Congrats! Very high level of music, I feel your energy!

[JanVrehen]

A very correct interpretation of this beautiful masterpiece.
Big compliment to everyone for measuring the musical intention so preciese and choosing the only right tempo that fits!
I am thruely impressed!

[macpretzelmc]

Every march my High school's bands get to perform in Hill auditorium for one concert, our freshman band, 2 separate concert bands, and our highest level band, symphony band. the acoustics there are unlike anything i had ever experienced when i first went there as a freshman.

Every year in may at our symphony band's last performance the symphony band gets to perform this piece as a sort of send off for all the seniors of that year. every year it has left me in tears, especially the last 2 years when i've played it personally. i've never heard it played in hill but it's on my bucket list without a doubt, especially seeing as just this video managed to bring me to shed a few tears.

[BonnieBunny]

I love the near constant presence of the Oboe as a crucial—and, more importantly, **heard**—part of the melody/song!
My school's band is playing this this year/quarter(?) and I am—unfortunately—the sole Oboist of my band level. There is only one other Oboist in the school, but—since they are a freshman—they are in the lowest of the three bands of the school.

[bodazaphfa]

One of my all time favorite, beautiful pieces. Well done.

[equisader]

Good lord i haven't heard this in 35 years since school orchestra days. As beautiful as ever. Thank you ❤️

[bqpahdoesstuff]

I am a trumpet player, and this piece is in somehow different keys, all of which are played beautifully.