Richard Wagner (1813-1883)

Lohengrin (Prelude to Act III) (1848)

Instrumentation: flutes (3), oboes (3), clarinets (3), bassoons (3), French horns (4), trumpets (3), trombones (3), bass tuba, timpani, triangle, cymbals, tambourine, strings

CD 1, Tracks 1-4, Duration 3:13

While listening to this selection pay careful attention to the changes in dynamics, instrumentation, and general mood.

1) Full orchestra, very loud (ff), main melody in violins, cymbal crashes.
:12 Main melody partially repeated.

2) Brass melody, pulsating accompaniment in strings.
:24 Brass melody repeated.
:48 Full orchestra returns with the main melody (strings), cymbal crashes.

3) Soft (p), contrasting oboe melody.
:13 Melody repeated by the flute.
:25 Clarinet and violins continue.
:38 Melody repeated.

4) Full orchestra, very loud (ff), main melody in violins, cymbal crashes.
:12 Brass melody, pulsating accompaniment in strings.
:35 Full orchestra.
:42 Brass instruments enter, gradually leading to a softer section (decrescendo).
:49 Gradually louder (crescendo) to end.

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