From: chaban@fortsc.enet.dec.com (Ed Chaban)
Subject: Re: Wedding music suggestions?
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: 16 AUG 92 21:27:14 PST


In article <1992Aug16.215957.12768@Princeton.EDU>, roger@phoenix.Princeton.EDU (Roger Lustig) writes...
>In article <1992Aug16.194403.18619@oct17.dfe.dec.com> chaban@fortsc.enet.dec.com (Ed Chaban) writes:
>>
>>In article <1992Aug16.144811.9375@Princeton.EDU>, roger@phoenix.Princeton.EDU (Roger Lustig) writes...
>>
>>>I will never understand the use of the Lohengrin Wedding March.  As far
>>>as I can tell, this is only used in the US (people in Germany used to
>>>get a chuckle when seeing it in an American movie); and it's hopelessly
>>>insappropriate as soon as you know the source. 
>>>After all, a) it's a recessional, and b) he leaves her almost
>>>immediately.

>>>Oh, and the Mendelssohn's a recessional, too.  

>>>I guess there's just something about life imitating art imitating life
>>>that people can't resist.  (I've even heard the two pieces performed in a
>>>sort of medley, with harmonic fumfering in between, at a wedding in a
>>>Conservative Jewish synagogue.  On the organ.)

>>We are free to choose music we like without regard for the opinions of
>>pretentious Princetonians.  

>a) I attend the University of Chicago.  I only post from here.

I'm happy for you.

>b) You're sounding pretty pompous yourself.

Why? because I'm pointing out your rudeness toward those who chose the music
we chose?

>c) Did I ever say you were *not* free to choose what you liked?  I only
>expressed my personal bewilderment at the process by which these two
>numbers became favorites at actual weddings, as opposed to weddings in
>plays and operas and movies.

You called the choice "inappropriate"

Seems you have *REAL* problems with the music of Richard Wagner as evidenced
by what you have written (See below)

>>Personal choices like these are not to be criticized.  

>Why not?  

Ask around.  Clearly, your mother never taught you how to be polite.

>>Even if a bride and groom were to  choose Spike Jones' "Cocktails
>>For Two" as wedding music,  guests' opinions of that choice are of no
>>consequence.

>Funny, when I plan a big party and invite lots of guests, I take the
>guests' sensibilities, wishes, etc. into consideration.  And since music
>has the power to offend, the choice of music at a large gathering should
>not be made as though nobody but those throwing the party were going to
>be present.

This was not a "party", it was a religious ceremony.

>And, yes, Wagner *does* offend some people.  Is this any different from
>a symphony concert (cf. the Israel Phil's ongoing struggle wit
>hanti-Wagnerians)?  Yes, of course.  At the symphony, you go for the
>music, and you know what's being played beforehand.  At a wedding, you
>do *not* go for the music, but must listen to it anyway.

Ah! now we get to the the *REAL* source of your comments.  You're 
another one of those paranoid Wagner-haters.  I'd suggest you get 
professional help... QUICK! 

Hey, the people we invited have no opinions on Wagner.  Some people are
offended by the Dead Kennedys. Who are you? Tipper Gore? 

-Ed







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