Elsa's Procession to Cathedral by Richard Wagner

[xfancypants123]

at 2:08 that kid toke a way big breath.

[FunkkyPanda]

Love this song, it will he played at my wedding :)))

[DjMoneybagzz]

No dislikes....as it should be.

[Aeromedic]

I've seen a lot of commentary on the "Tempo Issues". I think it is less a matter of a bad tempo, rather, disjointed tempo changes. A number of times throughout it seems that rather than a gentle flow between the long and flowing phrasing that is somewhat of the signature of the piece, there are little gaps just before the tempo picks up. This gives it a feel of unevenness and disconnectedness.

[HoeeSayy]

I was a bass clarinetist in this band. I listen to our performance of this piece every now and then on my ipod and still get goosebumps because there was a certain joy I got after we finished this piece that I have yet to re-experience. It was a breathtaking moment for me personally

[audir1thenewone]

@HoeeSayy Im a bass clarinetist too XD. Were playing this now.

[DrunkenKangeroo]

I have the privilege of playing the E flat part to this on tour in Germany in a week :) i already feel sorry for my lip......

[MRFLAPPYTREE]

we r just starting to learn this song in my band. im a bass trombone player but i have to play the baritone part cause...we dont have any...lol. my greatest fear for this song is that a couple of the trombones are gonna not take the last 6 measures seriously and blast the hell out of it. being one of the few songs we've played where the back row of brass is incouraged to play out...god i hope they dont mess it up. to good of a song to have someone jerk around on.

[StormyPleasure101]

we played this song at festival we had to slow down we had to keep reminding everyone not to go fast it a good peice it had all of us so scared to play it because we kept playing it fast at practice but when you get to the last 15 measures it so worth laying it slow the power of the song just builds up in you

[SsgtTimothy]

I just played this a TMEA and this almost brought a tear to my eye, it's so beautiful

[JoeR410]

As a low brass player, I remember having played this and thinking "this is the most boring song I have ever played!" I still think that, but when you're in the back you can't hear all of the parts coming together which make this piece so beautiful.

Regarding this vid... yeah, there's gonna be issues with the group blending together and being in tune since, like most honor bands, they were probably given only a weekend to learn this and a few other challenging pieces; not really enough time.

[balletlvnband]

This is absolutely beautiful. I cried listening to this. These are some talented teen:)

[maestrojimbo]

Mirror, mirror on the wall: Who is fairest of them all?

[mooreg12191987]

I thought i'd ad some comments to this.  Overall I thought it was a solid performance. I would have taken a few more liberties with tempo during the solos section of the piece. I thought the dynamics overall, but i would have put a decrecendo and a big crecendo right before the snare comes in on the last part. Also just a little bit more of a crecendo on the last note would have brought out a little more ressonance after the cut off. some mild tuning issues but an overall solid performance.

[mooreg12191987]

@mooreg12191987 P.S. I meant to say i liked the dynamics overall :) lol.

[parzifal40]

A brilliant performance by a group of talented and beautiful young people. Congrats to the entire ensemble for an amazing performance. It is so great to see such talent performing such beautiful and long-lasting legacies of western culture and civilzation. I love Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral....a great moment in opera.

[khmaverick2012]

One of my favorite songs. My high school band plays this every year at graduation as the senior's last song.

[zacksteele17]

simply amazing!!! by far the most beautiful song I've ever heard/played

[buffetr13c]

I am deep professionally in love with Tom Lee.

[PhantomOfSpirit]

Bravo! Impeccable performance!

[s3si1u]

=O!

[mlitenite]

GOOSEBUMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!

[amac567]

Brass choir should only play the last Eb chord

[saxophonesuperpowers]

Very well done performance. We are playing this in my high school symphonic winds. Great piece.

[chygal790]

it's an emotion filled song, if the conductor feels it should go faster or slower then so be it. that's the beauty of music...to show passion and to tell a story. music is subjective. no matter what, it sounds wonderful.

[hockeystar1418]

who cares if they went to fast or slow. they played the crap out of this song

[Rattywotin]

It's all very well having an instrumental arrangement but you do need the chorus to finish it off or it becomes two dimensional and flat, boring in fact

[shstlute17]

why in the world did they speed up?

[m070782]

@shstlute17

[m070782]

@shstlute17 the speed is ok, Wagner is majestic, is passioned, that is why it must be Majestically Slow, also remember this is Elsa´s Procesion to the cathdral.

[shstlute17]

well when i played this im not to too sure we sped up.. or at least that much

[jarodamo]

you have to remember tho

this is part of an opera

its a story of Elsa's Procession to The Cathedral

on her way to her wedding

the rubato (speed up/slow down) and malleability of the tempo is symbolic of her sudden reassurance and confidence, followed by apprehension and hesitation, respectively. Wagner intended for the piece to have the same passion that Elsa would have - so the speed is actually more accurate.

[shstlute17]

i had so much playing this for wind ensemble on piccolo

[papoocanada]

-did you see that battery of bass and contrabass clarinets !

[mt7556]

Tom Lee is an excellent conductor, and as always, the Texas All State Band does a fine job. The best recording I've heard is under Eddie Green when he conducted the Lake Highlands High School Band in the mid-70's.

Nice Job.

[dustypaco]

I really dislike the way they play this. They do nothing with dynamics. Being a clarinetist and having played this song myself, I have to say that the clarinet solo was not very good. It has the potential of being profound and it is draggy and just lays there.

[alankace]

well you can't blamee them, it looks to me like they're a band of at least 100

[brassking09]

Yes there are some tuning issues. What happen at the end with the tempo???? Thats why i don't really like big symphonic bands because of dynamic issues!!! Dynamics are critical in a peace such as this one. Where i'm from, when you play something like this without dynamics, the purpose is defeated. Now don't get me wrong, but for a symphonic band of your size, your sound is outstanding! great job guys!!!

[semajhs]

Yea you have to take into account how large the all-state bands are. Of course successful wind symphony's aren't nearly of this size. Also take into account that they only practice for 3 days or so on these pieces

[78timothy]

I have played this piece of music and have also conducted it. Cailliet's trancription (Publ Belwin Music Publ.)

Is the definitive Wind (Symphonic) Band

transcription even ov the Chappel Army Journal Edition from the late 1800's.

[sokki88]

Maybe,elsa got to hurry up to the cathedral

so they had to accelrate the tempo a little bit before the final ending ;) :P

[garrickbrim]

Oh no she's late!!!!

[ogpimpmore]

I think Wagner would prefer the flexibility of the tempo. He was fond of the "elastic beat" as he would say, and in his treatise on conducting mentioned always hating conductors that took his music too slow.

[rickymouse713]

Beautifully performed! Only a band can do justice to this piece: Orchestras just don't have the bass intensity of a band. When 1962 Lufkin (TX) Hi finished playing this for contest, tears were streaming down the director's face and every musician was emotionally spent. When finished, there were seconds of pin-drop silence, then the band student audience erupted in applause accompanied by cheers. Truly a magic musical moment.

[blueheart26]

OMG! they have like 80 trombones! i love this piece SO much. Played it last year with my highschool and i think we're doing it for festival this year as well!

[bigjoepatsfan]

wow...let me tell you something...for a band of high school kids this is absolutely phenomenal. i've studied wagner, and have played this piece about 100 times on tuba euphonium and trombone...this is one of the finer recordings ive heard!

[bizbi45]

I love this piece great job!

[violinthief]

I should have been there - some of my students were in this group. The end is excellent, good brass!, though I don't care for the dirgelike tempo. However, the woodwind tuning at the beginning is rather bad, which is unacceptable, especially since it's one on a part. One of the soloists was weak, but I won't single that person out. BTW, I have a posted Elsa's recording that is better than this, which, according to you, makes me qualified to offer criticism. Pretty good overall, but flawed.

[scutterbotch08]

I think I've been misinterpreted - I'm fine with criticism, I just don't like it when people say something like - "this sucks" or "bad" or "not good". Notice other people posted criticism of this video earlier, it was only one that I commented on. At least say something more than that sucks, back it up with something or a better recording.

BTW I go to school with one of your former students :)

[lennhart]

Re: "I think I've been misinterpreted - I'm fine with criticism, I just don't like it when people say something like - "this sucks" or "bad" or "not good"."

You are absolutely correct. That kind of thing is, unfortunately, a sign of both the times AND the continuing deterioration of American educational standards. Certainly --tastes vary greatly. Just because I dislike Hip Hop does not justify my saying 'THIS SUCKS' when, in fact, I just don't understand it nor do I have the inclination.

[scutterbotch08]

And FWIW I agree with you, definite tuning issues

[The1andrizzle]

nobody cares

[mrbigg151]

@violinthief Isn't this a group of high schoolers? I mean, I performed this song as a member of FAMU's Marching "100" and the Wind Ensemble...This is a beautiful song, and I think that these kids did a great job. At the same time, when I think back on my high school playing days, I wasn't a master at interpretation which you need to perform the song well. Reading AROUND the notes is what separates the men from the children if you ask me. It's also hard to keep oboes in tune. Good job players.

[contrab1]

What the flip...why are there so many bass/contra clarinets in one band?

[ccsufrenchhorndude]

very well played.. only problem with it is that the upper woodwinds are too loud between 3:10-3:45.. they kinda mask the french horns who (for whoever listened to the original opera piece) have the melody there.. it may be due to the sheer size of the band as well

the upper w.w's continue to be loud into the return to "a" when really at this point the brass has the melody

good horn playing =D

[kelsieminder]

I played this song last year in my symphonic band, defianlty one of my favorite pieces ever.

[octopus237]

Omg Texas is friggin ridiculous...

[Kedarispimp]

yea texas and florida are the two best states when it comes to band

[goldenboy163]

ndejo

[prepboys1]

A trumpet sticks out.........

[parzifal39]

Just beautiful. So pleased to see so many beautiful and talented young people playing such amazing music. Truly a great performance.....Congrats to all the young ladies and gentlemen...

[bizbi45]

I had no idea this was an all Texas State band Playing this!

[bizbi45]

I too played this in high school. It's still my favorite piece! 89' thru 92' south texas. I love it!

[LHSEupho10]

I <3 4:50 :DDDD

[HP319359]

We did play this in my high school nearly forty years ago. I remember during one rehearsal I could see, out of the corner of my eye, the choir director started to walk down the hall past the band room, but he stopped and stood in the doorway, listening. When we finished I glanced over at him and there were tears running down his face. He was not one usually given to emotion, but we struck a nerve that day.

[911CondieOnTheLoose]

little bit of blasting in the trumpets in the end, almost as if they were trying too hard, but hey, youtube never really had good sound quality anyway

[jewcurls521]

thats the french horn part your talking about, not trumpet

[prepboys1]

I assure you, it's a trumpet. If you'd like I can ask the opinion of Ben Harloff and Chris Martin.

[9level9]

Glad to see a band of young musicians so dedicated. Excellent performance, vigorous ending, over all, Brilliant.

This is a nice adaptation from the original, first time I hear it for band only. I wish we had palyed it when I was in HS (French horn)

[prepboys1]

The horn part is glorious!

[bayridgemaestro]

Superb performance, regardless of any comments by professional musicians. I am a professional musician and educator and this is one of the most challenging works in the transcription canon. I will say that it does get a bit loud, but you do ask for that when you program this work with a festival band which is larger than the wind ensemble this was transcribed for. However, I would not find the pitches atrocious, just a bit off kilter. Bravo!

[Kedarispimp]

well said

[kujhac]

If it was heard live, there would be a world of difference. I don't if it was the initial recording or the translation by the YouTube servers but live would be a totally different experience.

[mjsk8er90]

this is the exact video im using as my motivation of getting into the top all-state band as a senior euphonium player. thank you so much for posting the all-state band on youtube!!

[LoveTheLOSER]

a trumpet or trumpet and horns forgot to listen in the end. That is al i have to say but over all great song

[yourbliss888]

Ach! Pitches were so bad, I only listened to the first 10 seconds. Ugh.

[porkboi]

fix your speakers before you speak

[yourbliss888]

Nothing wrong with my speakers; I'm a professional musician and vocal teacher.

Pitches are atrocious. I see others agree.

[robthereedman]

Very good job. That is a really big orchestra. I have never seen so many bass and contrabass clarinets! Cool! It must have been knock your socks off loud at the end if you were there. Just what was intended.

[statesman28]

You guys did an excellent job, however, I would like to hear the dynamics of the piece REALLY go to the extremes. You need to play pretty much as loud as you can, even crossing the line of edgy/blasting sound at the end. When we played this song in my band, you hardly have enough breath for 2 beats you are playing so loud :S

[Kedarispimp]

not too loud....gotta watch the phrasing man

[cbcl08]

I remember, this was the song we closed out the concert with. My parents told me that half the audience was crying

[Kedarispimp]

yea this is a great closing concert piece

[tamtaxaudio]

have you all listened to brass band arrangements of this. Beautiful!

[tubamaphone]

I love Phantom Regiment's arrangement of this!

[tubamaphone]

You guys did a great job on this! My only complaint is the end. Everything was great until then. I think that blasting kinda ruins it. I know it's supposed to be ff and all but there comes a point to where loud becomes too loud and you lose the quality of sound. But for a high school band, you are very talented and should be proud of what you have accomplished!

[prdaugereau]

Always brings a tear to my eyes

[mistralmaster]

intonation, clean sound, interpretation and organic heavy. es.? 0.45 -.-

bye bye

[scutterbotch08]

Look at the size of the ensemble, it isn't going to have the intonation or clean sound of Eastman. The interpretation doesn't fit your taste; so what? That doesn't make it a poor performance.

[ghFREAK11]

yea thats true. i played elsas in high school and it sounded great but we did have a small ensemble. i didnt really like the interpretation either but thats just my opinion. I liked playing in this band though it was a wonderful experience

[mistralmaster]

not very good...

[scutterbotch08]

How about you post a better one then?

[mistralmaster]

I can't??

[scutterbotch08]

Then please don't leave bad comments, and if you feel obligated to leave negative comments I would appreciate it if you pointed out what was poor about that performance.

[yourbliss888]

Sorry, but you post on youtube, you risk comments.

[tflynn17]

"How about you post a better one then?"

Ha just because he doesn't have a copy of Elsa's laying around at home doesn't make your version good buddy

[scutterbotch08]

Love trolls

[tflynn17]

Surely not more than you love silencing criticism illogically

[scutterbotch08]

I'm fine with criticism as long as it is something more than "this sucks". Yeah, it's not good on a professional standard, but for the size and caliber of the group it wasn't bad. Nice marching band vids by the way. As we all know the best musicians excel in marching band.

[tflynn17]

I must admit I am a bit confused by your abrupt switch to giving compliments. I suppose I will have to chalk it up to whatever mental condition causes you to believe that the only people who can offer criticism of a particular piece are those who happen to own a copy of a better performance.

In any event, I thank you for your kind words and sincerely hope you make a full recovery. Cheers!

[scutterbotch08]

I'll put it in middle school terms for you - give some criticism besides trolling and I'll be ok.

Perhaps if we had marched some sets spelling out TMEA and rotated through a curvilinear you would like it better :)

[tflynn17]

Ah there we go; you express yourself much more clearly when you keep it simple instead of trying to make vague connections to irrelevant topics.

I have found that the best way to deal with trolls is not to feed them, for they are never full. But if comments such as "not very good" just get under your skin too much for you to ignore, you can actually disable comments. In my opinion this is somewhat defeats the point of posting videos to an open community, but it certainly does prevent conflict.

[tflynn17]

The point I have been trying to make all along, however, remains: it makes no sense to prevent somebody from expressing their opinion simply because they cannot do better. Good is still good, and bad is still bad.

P.S. There's no need to work on marching formations; I have no problem with the performance the way it is : ) mistralmaster was the one who took issue with the video, not I.

[scutterbotch08]

First - why are you commenting about a comment made months ago? Why do you care so much what somebody else said and how I responded? I believe I have to right to respond to comments on my video and I left a lot of critiques alone. It seems to me your logic is somewhat flawed. Perhaps if you were more clear and articulate with your argument then most of this could have been avoided.

[tflynn17]

My very first post here:

"just because he doesn't have a copy of Elsa's laying around at home doesn't make your version good"

I honestly don't know how much more "clear and articulate" you can possibly expect me to be. If you seriously can't understand even that, then you are beyond my help.

[scutterbotch08]

You should have just came out and said that you didn't like the way I replied to mistralmaster, which is really what it comes down to (I think?). Thank goodness youtube has the righteous police!

[tflynn17]

It wasn't so much that I "didn't like" what you were saying; I just wished to point out the very illogical reasoning you used. As I said, I believe I expressed that very clearly and succinctly.

[t00ba09]

Do you have ears, that was incredible.

[ThirdEarth]

Yeah -- that definately sucked.

That's why Texas has the best high school band programs in the nation, and this band is basically the cream of the crop.

How about proving your own competence before cutting down an entire band of outstanding players who worked their butts off to get to San Antonio and put on a fantastic concert that every single director in Texas anticipated to hear.

[CelestialReveriex3]

wooo!

you go... person!

[yooooooot]

How many TUBA PLATER

[yooooooot]

How many use tuba player

[solidus1234321]

wow...

that was amazing..

left me breathless with a tear in the eye and goosebumps.. what a wonderful ending <3

[dcprettyboi]

beautiful

[gowbass]

WOW!!!!

[fluteninja113]

gorgeously played. :]

[jarodamo]

ahhh the flute and oboe solos were amazing.

this band was amazing.

"iiiiiiisimo, iiiiiiiisimo baby" - Tom Lee

[hitemp]

i was in this

the flute solo was played by a girl from my school

[Kuppi1992]

absolute sprachlosigkeit

[DarkLeprechaun89]

We're amazing.

- John