January 25 - Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" Unveiled
Exploring the Depth of Covenant in Marriage through Mendelssohn's Timeless Composition
This is the day Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" was first played at the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Victoria, to the crown prince of Prussia, in 1858.
In today's devotional, we will delve into the covenantal nature of Christian marriage as contrasted with secular views. How does the story of the first playing of Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" help us understand the depth of the marital covenant? What sets apart a Christian marriage?
"Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth." - Malachi 2:15 (NIV)
This Date in History
January 25, 1858, marked a groundbreaking moment in both music and matrimonial ceremonies. The setting was the Chapel Royal of St. James's Palace in London, and the occasion was a royal wedding of historic proportions. Princess Victoria, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, was to marry Friedrich Wilhelm, the crown prince of Prussia. Amidst the sea of gold-trimmed uniforms, embroidered gowns, and jewel-encrusted tiaras, an audible hush swept through the chapel as Felix Mendelssohn’s "Wedding March" began to play.
Mendelssohn was no stranger to the art of composition; by that point, he had already composed works like the "Hebrides Overture" and "Songs Without Words." This specific piece, originally part of his suite for Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," was selected for the royal wedding by Princess Victoria herself. This marked the first time that this particular composition would serve such a role, and its performance immediately set a new standard for wedding ceremonies.
The choice of music had geopolitical as well as personal implications. Europe was a chessboard of alliances and rivalries, and the British-Prussian marriage was a carefully strategized move. It united two powerful European houses and had broad ramifications for continental politics, including an eventual alliance in the Franco-Prussian War. By choosing a German composer, the event also served to honor Prince Friedrich’s Prussian heritage.
The musicians selected for the event were among the finest in Europe. The orchestra was led by Sir George Smart, with organ accompaniment by George Cooper. With a guest list of international dignitaries and the cream of European nobility, the event had a global audience courtesy of media coverage, which was remarkably extensive for its time. Newspapers extensively covered not only the union but also the various details of the ceremony—including Mendelssohn’s composition.
After this momentous event, the "Wedding March" didn't just fade into the annals of history. Instead, it gained widespread popularity and soon became an essential part of wedding ceremonies around the globe. Its inclusion in this royal wedding catapulted it from being just another composition to a symbol of matrimonial joy, still recognized even in the 21st century.
Historical Context
The premiere of Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" in 1858 was not an isolated event but rather part of a broader tapestry of artistic and cultural transformation. Europe was emerging from the intellectual revolutions of the Enlightenment and the Romantic periods, both of which fundamentally changed how art, music, and even human emotion were conceptualized. By the mid-19th century, art and music were considered not just forms of entertainment but expressions of national and personal identities. Composers like Mendelssohn were revered almost as prophets of a sort, channeling both the ineffable beauty of the world and the complexities of human emotion into their compositions.
The wedding itself, between Princess Victoria and the Crown Prince of Prussia, was a union that carried enormous geopolitical weight. The alliances forged by such marriages often had repercussions for decades, if not centuries, affecting treaties, wars, and international relations. The Crown Prince of Prussia would later become Frederick III, Emperor of Germany, albeit for a very short reign, but the alliances and hostilities his marriage signaled would play roles in the complex geopolitics of Europe leading up to World War I. The choice to include Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," therefore, was a decision made amidst swirling currents of diplomatic, artistic, and national imperatives.
Additionally, Mendelssohn's own background added a layer of complexity to the event. He was born into a prominent Jewish family that converted to Christianity, and he struggled with this dual heritage throughout his life. His music—part of the then-modern Romantic movement—was an attempt to synthesize these different cultural legacies. While he was lauded during his lifetime, Mendelssohn faced posthumous anti-Semitic criticisms, notably from composer Richard Wagner, which led to a temporary diminishing of his works, a circumstance that would later be corrected as his genius was widely acknowledged.
Did You Know?
The tradition of playing specific pieces of music at weddings predates Mendelssohn's "Wedding March." In fact, before this composition gained popularity, it was common to perform various hymns or even popular tunes of the day at weddings. Mendelssohn's composition set a new standard, turning what was once an assortment of musical choices into a more uniform and ceremonious aspect of weddings.
Learn More
"Mendelssohn: A Life in Music" by R. Larry Todd
"Music in the Nineteenth Century" by Walter Frisch
"European History For Dummies" by Seán Lang
"Victoria: The Queen" by Julia Baird
Today’s Reflection
Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," first played in 1858 at a royal wedding, reminds us that marriage is more than just a contract. It's a sacred commitment, much like the one described in Ephesians 5:31-32 (NIV). This Bible passage tells us that marriage is a unique union that reflects Christ's relationship with the Church.
In today's world, it's easy to think of marriage as just a legal agreement, a contract full of rules and fine print. But the Bible teaches us that marriage is actually much more. It's a covenant, a promise that lasts a lifetime. It's a promise so profound that it mirrors how Jesus is committed to us. And when we understand that our view of marriage changes. It becomes something more beautiful and enduring than just a legal agreement.
That's why the union between Princess Victoria and the crown prince wasn't just a royal event but a moment that echoes the very heart of what marriage should be—a covenant. It's not about saying, "I do," for the sake of tradition or societal norms. It's about making a promise that, once given, shapes your life and your spiritual journey.
What sets a covenant apart is its focus on relationship over transaction. It's not about what you get out of it but what you put into it. It calls us to be selfless like Christ was for the Church. Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV) describes how Jesus put others before Himself.
Today's world often promotes self-interest over selfless love. But the Bible asks us to do the opposite. The kind of love discussed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) is more about giving than taking.
So, what does this mean for us today? For starters, understanding marriage as a covenant can actually make our relationships stronger. It gives it a sense of sacredness and purpose that can't be easily broken. We start to see our spouse not just as a partner but as a fellow traveler in our spiritual journey. And that kind of understanding can only bring us closer to each other—and to God.
Still, nobody is perfect. Even in marriage, we make mistakes. But the beauty of a covenant is that it allows room for forgiveness and growth. Just as 1 John 1:9 (NIV) promises that God will forgive us if we confess, a covenant creates space for us to rebuild and move forward.
Lastly, let's not forget that our ultimate covenant is with God Himself. Just as Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" signaled a sacred beginning, our spiritual journey starts with saying, "I do" to God. We promise to love and serve Him, and He promises to always be with us. It's the most important commitment we'll ever make and the foundation for all other promises in our lives.
Practical Application
To foster a deeper understanding of marriage as a covenant, take a week to meditate on Ephesians 5:22–33. Write down what stands out to you about the roles of husbands and wives and how these roles mirror Christ and the Church. Then, jot down actionable ways you can mirror these roles in your own relationships. These can be as simple as acts of service or as profound as spiritual leadership within the household.
Deeper Dive
For an enriching expansion of today's theme, consider delving into the story of Hosea and his wife, Gomer, found in the book of Hosea, chapters 1-3. In this lesser-known narrative, Hosea, a prophet, is commanded by God to marry Gomer, a woman of disrepute, as a vivid illustration of God's covenantal relationship with Israel. Even when Gomer is unfaithful, Hosea remains committed to her, embodying the covenantal love that God has for His people—love that is unending, forgiving, and sacrificial. This story adds another layer to our understanding of covenantal relationships, illustrating how they can mirror divine love in their perseverance and grace. As you reflect on the sacredness of marital vows, the Hosea-Gomer narrative prompts you to consider the depths of commitment and the heights of love that a covenant embodies.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You to thank You for the sacred institution of marriage. Help us to see our relationships as covenants, not merely contracts. May our commitments mirror the profound relationship between Christ and the Church. Amen.
Supplementary Study
"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
This verse underscores the idea that marriage is a union designed by God, aligning with the covenantal nature of marriage discussed today.
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
This scripture emphasizes that what is formed in a marital covenant should be lasting and indestructible, aligning perfectly with today's theme.
"'The man who hates and divorces his wife,' says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'does violence to the one he should protect,' says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful."
This passage reminds us of the weight and gravity that God places on the marriage covenant, underscoring its sacred nature.
Final Thoughts
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to see marriage as just another contract. But when we view it as a covenant, we recognize it for what it truly is—a sacred promise that mirrors Christ's commitment to the Church. This perspective not only strengthens our relationships but also enriches our spiritual journey, reminding us that the ultimate covenant we make is with God Himself.
Community Engagement
I love hearing from readers each day. Don’t worry, this isn’t a test—I promise! Feel free to drop a line or two in the comments below. You can answer one of the following questions, share your own reflections, pose a new question, or simply say hello. I can’t wait to hear from you!
What other historical events can you think of that involve a significant covenant?
How does understanding marriage as a covenant change your perspective on relationships?
What are some practical ways you can honor the covenantal aspects of your own relationships?
How does a covenantal view of marriage affect your relationship with God?
In tomorrow's devotional, we will sail through tempestuous waters and find a safe harbor in a sanctuary of the soul. Prepare to navigate the intricate relationship between tribulation and spiritual refuge, discovering how life's most turbulent storms can usher in the deepest wellsprings of faith.