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pushovermediacritic · 4 months ago

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Fantasia Short Rankings

Here's my ranking of all the shorts in both Fantasia and Fantasia 2000, from best to worst. And I apologize, but I will be ranking these almost entirely based on the animation and how the music pairs with it. The songs are classical pieces, so there's no reason to rate one higher or lower based on just how much I like the song itself, it's not like Disney made them.

Firebird Suite (forest sprite vs volcano bird). Absurdly gorgeous animation, cute character dynamics despite only having 3 characters, and a really nice character arc of curiosity, fear, trauma, hope, and rebirth that perfectly demonstrates a real scientific phenomenon (life springing back after an eruption) is a beautiful manner.

Rhapsody in Blue (people in city). I love this short. It probably has the best music-to-animation synching out of any Fantasia short. This is one of the few Fantasia shorts where I can't imagine the song without this animation put to it. The animation style is fantastic, the four interweaving stories are great, and the overall tone is sympathetic and fun. My only gripe is John's wife getting way too harsh of an ending.

Pomp and Circumstance (Donald Duck Noah's Ark). The classic Noah's ark story with a different classic "two lovers separate and think the other's dead, just barely missing each other constantly" comedic set-up. I think this short is great, with gorgeous animal animation and great comedic timing. I think this short is better than The Sorcerer's Apprentice, though just by a hair.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Mickey the magic novice). I think Mickey's short is the best of the original Fantasia, but it doesn't hit the same highs of 2000. It has a really fun story, with lots of extremely iconic scenes and segments. There's a reason it's the only short that got remade into a full movie and even included in 2000.

Pines of Rome (flying whales). As nonsensical as they are, I like the flying whales, I'm a defender of this one. The CGI works better here than in The Steadfast Tin Soldier, and the use of light, ice refraction, and water is really pretty. And I don't mind the simple story, with the baby whale getting separated from its parents. The final sequence is beautiful.

Dance of the Hours (ballet of ostriches, hippos, elephants, and alligators). It's always funny to me that this is one of the more iconic Fantasia shorts. After Yen Sid and Chernabog, Hyacinch Hippo seems to be the most iconic Fantasia-original character. This is also one of the few genuinely hilarious Fantasia shorts. Even if half the jokes are fat jokes, they're usually fat jokes on the alligators being out of their depth as predators trying to hunt hippos and elephants, not on the hippos and elephants, who are as nimble and graceful as ballerinas should be. And the dancing is really creative and energetic.

Symphony No. 5 (light butterflies vs dark bats). Pretty basic "good vs evil" story, with abstract shapes to introduce the animation to music concept, similar to Toccata and Fugue in the original Fantasia. Except this short is much better than Toccata and Fugue because it actually has characters and a plot.

Night on Bald Mountain (demons and monks). As cool as the demons are, the entire second half with the monks really drags it down. That's probably just a me thing, though. As a Jew, anything Christian is just super annoying. I totally understand other people rating it much higher.

The Rite of Spring (dinosaurs). I liked this one as a kid, but nowadays, the inaccuracies in the dinosaur portrayals are too infuriating to ignore. The beginning with the world forming was longer than I remember, and the water animation here is really nice.

Piano Concerto No. 2, Allegro, Opus 102 (The Steadfast Tin Soldier). Well, it sure is "Disney's 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier'", complete with a changed happy ending. Obviously it was inspired by Toy Story, but it doesn't really get across the same feeling. Not bad, just kind of mediocre.

The Nutcracker Suite. (flora, fauna, and fairies dance the changing of the seasons). This short always reminds me of Little April Showers from Bambi. Would rank better, except there's quite a bit of racism. Between the Chinese mushrooms, Arabian fish, and Russian flowers, literally half the short (3/6 segments) is stereotypes. Not sure why Disney isn't more ashamed of this short, since they censored The Pastoral Symphony.

The Pastoral Symphony (greek centaur party). Racism issue. Even in the censored version, there's still some racism left like the black zebra centaurs who carry Bacchus in and then don't get to participate in the party. The story is also lame and doesn't really amount to anything. They were gonna have a match-making centaur party, but then Zeus crashed it. That's it.

The Carnival of the Animals, Finale (flamingo with a yo-yo). Cute, but really underwhelming. Decent music synch, but it's just forgettable. Doesn't help that the flamingo is actually annoying to the audience.

Meet the Soundtrack (a white line). Boring. More interesting and humorous than Toccata and Fugue, but still lame.

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (abstract lines and shapes). The first short of the first Fantasia sucks. I thought it was boring as a kid, I think it's boring now. I guess it's okay as an introduction to the concept, but I don't really think "animation set to music" was such a revolutionary idea that it needed an introduction, even in 1940.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Reprise). Sorry, but I legitimately hate that they just repeated Mickey's short again in Fantasia 2000, with no changes. Complete waste of time.

#fantasia #fantasia 1940 #fantasia 2000

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nadiegesabate1990 · 6 months ago

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I introduce to you, some cool guys, but short ones. And some idiots say, to put me down, that I am a small artist and they don't want to know. But I feel in my heart and believe that I am a great guy. And that's why they don't want to know. And it's hard to get things because they will always prefer the little ones.

And here we have them, some small guys. Yes, most of these guys only have one or two or at most three good songs and others don't even have them, as in the case of Mahler - Symp. No. 1 in D Titan - 2. Kraeftig bewegt, doch nicht zu s… and... Weber - Piano Sonata No.1, Op.24. But I think this Weber music is cool and not that bad. I have this thing about saying or writing that they are the best in the world, and they are.

Bellini - L'Absent melody

Berlin - Puttin' on the Ritz

Bertioz - Symphony Fantastique (Op. 14) - 2nd. Mov.

Borodin - Porfirevich Polovtsian Dance Stranger Paradise

Busoni - Sonatina No. 6 Kammer-Fantasie lber Bizets Carmen

Bizet - Entr'acte

Franck - Prélude, Fugue et Variation, Op. 18

Franck - 5 Pieces pour harmonium - Verset No. 2

Meyerbeer - Grand March

Meyerbeer - L'Africaine Selection

Moszkowski - Etude de virtuosite Op.72 No.13 in Ab minor

Moszkowski - Etude No.1

Moszkowski - Pres Du Berceau, Opus.58

Pachelbel - Magnificat in Am

Prokofiev - Toccata Op.11

Prokofiev - Tocccata for Piano

Pachelbel - Magnificat in Am

Strauss Jr - The Blue Danube Waltz

Nadiege Sabate

https://www.artmajeur.com/nadiege-sabate/pt/obras-de-arte/17030107/she-acknowledged-my-presence-with-a-wink

#lol #funny #art #photography #nature #fashion #music #movies #anime #gaming

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daveslutstaine · 2 years ago

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hello Andy, how ya doin? :D would you recommend some classical music, more on a emotional/grand scale if you don't mind? :D (I'm on a hunt for new stuff to listen to while drawing and finally kinda overcame the feeling of being a pretentious fraud if what plays in the bg is in any shade classical)

Hiya! I'm doing great! I hope you are too! I'd love to recommend you some stuff!

In terms of emotional works, I tend to lean towards the more melancholic works, but there are some works I do feel are very over the top with their emotions, especially if you play them at loud enough volumes. Anyway since it's spooky season, let me recommend you one of my favorite songs for the season

Here is Camille Saint-Saens "Danza Macabra" and one of my favorite works by him

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There's also Organ Symphony No. 3 in C Minor that I also really enjoy by him! Also as a side note, I'm personally really picky when it comes to performances and renditions of songs, so some of these links might take you to places like the internet archive bc I personally hated all the versions of this one song on yt (do not get me started on performances bc I will rant for ages about that), but this link is the one performance I actually liked! Camille also did The Carnival Of Animals which I also really like!

Now one emotional work I really really like is Requiem In D Minor by Mozart!

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I have yet really explore much of Mozart's stuff tbh since I'm currently obsessing over other composers, but so far this is my favorite work of Mozart's! Very beautiful and chocked full of really bittersweet emotions!

And another composer who's stuff I also haven't really dug deep into but so far really enjoy, is Bach! I specifically love Toccata and Fugue in D minor! Especially for this time of year!!!!

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And now for one of composers I really love, here is Giuseppe Tartini's Sonata in G Minor, or more famously known as "The Devil's Trill"

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I would really recommend you stay with this version of the song. All other versions I've listened to have completely disappointed me in the past, but like I said, I'm just really picky. Anne Sophie Mutter is a fantastic violinist and she put so much emotion into this piece that it never fails to blow me away each time I listen to it! Another one of Giuseppe's works that I love is less known but it's so sweet and I just AAAAAAA 💖💖💖💖💖💖!!!!

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If love had a sound it would be this song! It makes my heart go ❤❤💖💖💖💖💗💗💗💗💗 every time I hear it! Oh to have the talent Tartini did.

Now this next piece is by composer Dmitri Shostakovich and it's my favorite work by him!

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It's called String Quartet No. 15 and is more on the somber side of things, but it has it's semi-dramatic moments. Shostakovich also has another string quartet that is more dramatic than this and that's String Quartet no. 8 which is way more well known that the previous one

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There's also string quartet no. 14 which is more on par with no. 15, but does sound a lot tamer

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Speaking of Russian composers, here is one of my favorite pieces by Tchaikovsky! And it also happens to be the one piece he fucking despised

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There's also this song called "Autumn Song" that he composed that I have in my 💖💖💖💖💖 playlist. It's a really sweet song on par with Sarabande by Tartini

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Now this composer is one I haven't heard much from at all, only this one song, but so far I really like it! It's Schoenberg's Verklarte Nacht! (Would post the video but it seems I've hit tumblr's stupid video limit -_-).

Now with Beethoven, there's a few songs of his I feel would fit your request and those are Moonlight Sonata (the full 15 minute version) and Symphony No. 7 second movement along with his most famous Symphony No. 5

And now on to the final and my favorite, and I mean favorite boy, Father Antonio Vivaldi! Begining of course with everyone's favorite works of his, The Four Seasons. I personally love Summer and Autumn the best. I like the second movement of Spring a lot too! There's also Violin Concerto in B Minor that I really love!!!! Makes me feel as though I were right in the baroque era! Then there's also this concerto he wrote for the organ and violin and I just 💖💖💖💖!!! My favorite part is the second movement, but I like I said, I'm a sucker for the slower, calmer parts!!!! Not too slow of course, but slow enough that it manages to be beautiful without being boring. Then there's also La Stravaganza which is just so..... AAAAAAAA!!!!!! The ending especially! I would kill to see this played live by a metal band. And then there's one of my current favorites by him and that is cello sonata rv 40 .Not the most grandiose of his work, but I love the how gentle it is! Even the more faster parts are still ever so gentle. Ah I love it so much!!! And then there's La Follia, which is again another song that I would kill to see played by a metal band!

And that's all the recommendations I have for you today! I really hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

#also sorry this took me so long #im back in school and the workload is finally easing off a little but still >_<#anyway I hope I disappoint!#asks #polska tankietka

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queenlucythevaliant · 4 years ago

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All her life, Lucy had a great love of music. Mrs. Pevensie was by not properly a pianist, but she could play a handful of pieces that she had learned in her youth. Fur Elise. Moonlight Sonata. A bit of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, which was always her favorite, even though it doesn’t quite sound right on the piano. From her mother, young Lucy learned how to place her hands and play her scales, but little else.

Yet in Narnia, when a stern, elderly naiad offered the four child-sovereigns music lessons, Lucy jumped at the chance. Daulis taught Lucy to play the harp and the piano, as well as a strange kind of naiad-flute whose name Lucy could never quite manage (it sounded like a gurgle of water). She also taught Lucy rudimentary vocal technique, although in truth it was a Lark who lived just beyond the courtyard who did the most to refine Lucy’s voice. By the time she was seventeen, Lucy sang with a clear, merry soprano which, although it would likely never win awards or make anyone fall in love with her, gladdened the hearts of all those who heard her.

On the long, sweltering nights of summer dances and romps, the youngest queen would sing herself hoarse on the acrobatic runs of tree-song. When her voice got tired, she would add her flute to the chorus of faunish pipes and whistles, tap her toes in time to the rhythm, and try to keep from laughing at Tumnus’s increasingly red face. During balls at the Cair, Lucy would occasionally escape some of the more tedious dignitaries by joining the musicians for a song or two. To the best of her knowledge, they were always pleased to have her.

Throughout the years of their reign, Peter was wont to slip into Lucy’s sitting room at the end of a long day. He always came with piles of scrolls, maps and requisition forms, as though he intended to make productive use of his time, but he scarcely ever touched them. Lucy was easy to coax into conversation, and even easier to coax into song if one knew what to say. Lucy would sit on the window seat or else in the straight-backed chair by the piano. They would speak at length, and laugh, and there would be music. Eventually, Lucy would find her way onto the settee beside Peter and nestle up beside her brother, like a sparrow beneath a wing. Although he would never admit it openly, music evenings with Lucy were a salve for some of the most difficult days of Peter’s reign. Yet dances and balls and evenings with Peter were mere trifles compared to the effects of Lucy’s compositions.

Lucy, darling heart-daughter of Aslan. Like King David in our world, Lucy pointed the best of her songs heavenwards; in her case, across the Eastern Sea. She kept a prayer journal whenever Aslan was away, scribed her sorrows and longings across its pages by candlelight, and tried not to resent his silence. Yet soon her praises called out for dancing, so she put them to music. When her heart was too tired for words, she composed a tune and wrote words of lament for it later, in the light of a new sunrise. When her prayers came out in anger, she put them to music, and then they did not frighten her quite so much.

Lucy sang a song of praise on the tenth anniversary of the Battle of Beruna, and danced before the broken Stone Table as though no one but Aslan could see her. She sang, heart splayed out before all who had gathered to celebrate Aslan’s resurrection and victory, and afterwards she could not stop crying for the sheer joy of it all. It was a beautiful day.

Narnia had always reached out to Aslan in song. Had Aslan not first created Narnia with a song? Did not the very ground remember the feeling of that long-ago music? Narnia had hymns, imported by Frank and Helen during their reign and modified over time. It had songs of other kinds, sung in the croaky voices of great oak dryads and the peeping voices of Frogs and everything in between. Lucy’s songs were not unique, but they were something lovely and special.

Lucy composed perhaps fifty songs during her reign. She shared perhaps twenty of them with her people, some as an expression of her own heart and others to reflect the posture of her kingdom towards Aslan. The rest she kept to herself. Yet after Lucy and her siblings returned to Spare Oom, Tumnus discovered her prayer journals in the top drawer of her nightstand. He learned to play all of her songs on his flute, and shared Queen Lucy’s more personal songs with the people of Narnia.

Hundreds of years later, in the celebrations that followed the Narnian victory over the Telmarines, Lucy was startled to hear every Narnian assembled lift his voice in a song of praise that she had composed.

And when Cair Paravel was lost for the last time, hundreds of years later still, Tirian would be reminded of a very old lament to Aslan which a Narnian queen had once written, although the melody had long since been lost to time.

#if this is disjointed it's because it was originally a series of bullet points #oops #I have so many thoughts about Lucy and music #and even more about Lucy and King David #also I like to think of Susan as being interested in the visual/decorative arts #but I couldn't get that to fit #lucy pevensie #also I got the Frank and Helen importing hymns thing from @nothinggold13 #pontifications and creations #narnia #dear darling heart-daughter of Aslan #long and happy was their reign #leah stories

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incorrecttwoset · 4 years ago

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Lesson time with Dani:

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I think the lesson we all learned here today is why do we still watch top ten channels? Or just... list channels? In general? Like sure, i watch them sometimes when i know the info is real and legit like top 10 Philippine urban legends you've never heard of (lol thats a lie, everyone knows that literally every Philippine university is fucking haunted and i grew up on that shit bitch) but when the listing is so BLATANTLY FAKE with the most clickbait thumbnail, why do people still fuckin fall for that shit, ugh. Didn't we already learn from last year's youtube rewind? Jesus...

Anyways, let's get on to twosets... CRITIQUE on their top 10 hardest instruments.

10. Drums. Oh. My. Fuckin. God. So the conductors are literally just hired to fucking stand there and look pretty? And that all that practice of trying to play that song or piece oN TIME WITH AND WITHOUT PERCUSSION was for nOTHING? Oh my gosh, i never kNEW. And like, dude. Driving needs all four limbs at once, is it considered doing four separate things at once??? Fucking nO, BECAUSE ALL THE LIMBS ARE DOING AND ACCOMPLISHING ONE GOAL. AKA DRIVING. And like, AJSKBSOSDJ watch twoset's explanation. I don't think i can properly explain without going into a rant... its also midnight and my brain is fucking deteriorating. (Even more so with this top 10 video)

9. Pipe organ. Dude, i was immediately lost after they showed the bumblebee clip. There are!!! So many!!! More good!!! And more amazing!!! Classical pieces!!! Than fucking bUMBLEBEE!!! Dude, you could've just asked her to play Bach toccata and fugue in d minor. oH, AND SPEAKING OF TOCCATA AND FUGUE IN D MINOR, WHY DID YOU- AJSNSJDKANDK YOU PUT THE ORGAN IN THERE WHY DID- ASOFBEIFJEK OKAY okay. Im calm. It's just different recordings, its fine. And the sentence the guy said while that clip was playing? Bro, i watched that part multiple times, and i sTILL don't get what you're trying to sayyyyyyy. And the divine intervention thing? Bro, i wish this top 10 vid had a divine intervention.

8. Acordion. Dude. Let me just... let me just pull a direct quote. Ahem... bASS NOTES ANE KEYBOARD DOESNT MEAN YOURE OLAYING TWO INSTRUMENTS. I just... the levels of frustration ive ascended to. My god, for once im glad that i didn't get to post this at midnight. Gave me some time to gather my head so i can watch this without fucking bursting.

7. Oboe. Oh boy. Dude. I've learned a bit of recorder and im pretty fUCKING sure that you make a sound by moving your fingers and lightly blowing into it, not by fucking folding paper origami with your mouth. And like, the moistness doesn't even matter that much. Your mouth will naturally moist the mouthpiece, you don't need to fucking spit on it. God.

6. Guitar. Okay, first time i saw guitar on this list i actually laughed out loud. (No offense guitarists i still think yalls music is great) Also, what the fuck. What the fuck. What the FUCK are they saying. First, yall say that it's all played the same way. THEN, you follow it up play saying it has tons of styles?! Oh my god, its like the video inforgraphics made for the scp foundation all over again... fam i haven't even watched that vid but i already know its shit.

5. Piano. Like twoset's point, if you're making a top 10 HARDEST, gET SOME HARDER PIECES AND RECORDINGS. DUDE, THERES FUCKING LISZT, RACHMANINOFF, THE LIST GOES ON. God, yall could've found a recording of La campanella and i would be fine. Fur elise even. But okay, sure. Do whatever. At least twoset gets more content this way. And wOW ALL THOSE HOURS OF PRACTICE WAS USELESS AND FOR NOTHING?!?!?!? aMaZiNG!!!! Can you tell i want to die.

4. Harp. Like I said earlier, if you're gonna play a recording of a piece, might as well make it match to the instrument but okay sure this is fine. Put a fucking recording of an ORGAN piece to the harp but okayyyyyy sureeeeee. I mean i get that musicians can play whatever they want but like, dude. This is a list. Do some fucking research. I don't even think i need to say anymore on the subject. The boys already said it all. And im tired. I just woke up and immediately, i am tired. Tsvtwt, please bless me with pics and fancams pLEASE.

3. Bagpipes. Do i need to reiterate my point from harp.and piano? Also, wha- how- why- dude. Ugh, all the shit this guy said in this entire video can just be slapped onto literally any instrument, as twoset said.

2. French horn. I have never met any brass players but, im pretty fucking sure you don't need an ego the size of texas to play that. I just- man, i wanna go back to sleep. It's morning already and fUCK analyzing how fucking wrong watchmojo is, is killing me.

Fuck dude, i had to scroll thru tsvtwt for energy. This is how wrecked my bad is. I never take tsvtwt breaks in the middle of making these posts. God...

And dude. Theremin is so much better than that. Agt... yall couldve hotten a better recording...

Anyways, back to the listing.

1. Violin. (Heavy flashbacks to instrument ranking vid) Dude. Wh-why you showing a fiddle recording. I- just look at my points for piano and harp. And dude, holding the instrument is probably the easiest part. Watch me sink into the floor and turn into a puddle of frustration guys.

Sigh. I think the lesson we all learned here today (other than the lesson up top) is that all instruments are hard.

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blackswaneuroparedux · 5 years ago

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Anonymous asked: I always think of you as Kristin Scott Thomas’ character Fiona in Four Weddings and a Funeral as a beautiful woman who is scarily clever and classy. So with my upcoming wedding (next year!) and especially wedding music I thought of you. I really would appreciate your advice on Mendelssohn or Wagner as they seem to be the traditional choices of music to play at a traditional church wedding. My fiancé isn’t bothered what music we play but I can’t decide. Please do help as I value your unvarnished truth.

Thank you for the flattering words which while well intentioned are nevertheless entirely misplaced.

Swiftly moving on, a sincere congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. I can only imagine how stressful it must be running around like a headless chicken trying to desperately organise everything. And desperate you certainly must be - perhaps even certifiably insane - if you’re turning to me on Tumblr for advice!

I’m not married....yet ( oops! better get that caveat in before I am chastised by those who really know me) but I am a wedding veteran - some would even say, a jaded one (thank you, mummy).

Every season there is a string of wedding invitations that I can’t turn down and I feel obligated to attend. While great fun, one wedding starts to blur into another especially when the champagne starts to copiously flow. I have my own thoughts on the good, the bad, and the tacky about wedding etiquette but I don’t want to disappear down that rabbit hole. Instead let’s talk about Mendelssohn and Wagner.

Both music pieces have traditionally struck a chord (pardon the pun) and have become a staple of traditional weddings since time immemorial.

Mendelssohn's ‘Wedding March’ was originally composed in 1842. He got there first.

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Wagner's ‘Bridal Chorus’ came later in 1848. The ‘Bridal Chorus’ became a popularised piece to play at weddings around Europe after it was most memorably used as the processional at the wedding of Victoria, the Princess Royal to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858. Nowadays - certainly in Britain and the US - it is generally known as "Here Comes the Bride”.

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I suppose the straight forward answer is that it doesn’t have to be Wagner vs. Mendelssohn. Why not both? Wagner’s ‘Bridal Chorus’ can be used for the entrance processional of the bride walking down the aisle and the Mendelssohn ‘Wedding March’ for the recessional walk out of the church.

But you did say you wanted my ‘unvarnished truth’ so allow me the small luxury of an arm chair rant from the Coronavirus self-isolation of my Paris apartment.

Of the two I would definitely ditch the Wagner piece. Please don’t misunderstood me. I am a huge fan of Wagner’s music - like any true Wagnerian I have taken more than one pilgrimage to Beyreuth - but in this case playing Wagner’s music would show a frightful ignorance of the meaning behind the ‘Bridal Chorus’ piece.

I don’t know why more people haven’t picked up on this but I’ve always found it a terribly odd piece to play at a wedding especially as it originates from Wagner’s masterful opera, Lohengrin.

Wagner came upon the opera's inspiration around 1845 when he took interest in the legend of the Holy Grail through the poems of Wolfram von Eschenbach and the anonymous epic of Lohengrin. Composed by 1848, Lohengrin features "Bridal Chorus" as the prelude to a very short-lived, doomed marriage between Elsa and Lohengrin.

The famous ‘Bridal Chorus’ is lustily sung by women of the bridal party serenading Elsa to the bridal suite after the wedding in Act III. Elsa is not allowed to know her true knight’s true name and identity. But this is a romantic German opera and so of course Lohengrin is found out with dire consequences for all. A sad Lohengrin ends up revealing that he is in fact a knight of the Grail and son of King Parsifal, sent to protect an unjustly accused woman. The laws of the Holy Grail say that Knights of the Grail must remain anonymous. If their identity is revealed, they must return home. Lohengrin is lead back to the castle of the Holy Grail. Elsa is grief stricken at being left behind. Poor Elsa (naturally) collapses and dies with a broken heart.

Charming.

To say it’s not the happiest of allusions of looking forward to a long life of wedded bliss would be an understatement.

However my objections against Wagner’s ‘Bridal Chorus’ goes beyond this. For one thing I find it rather too sombre - Oh dear God! Is marriage really like this?!

My main ire is that it overly used and therefore boring to listen to. And when one is bored the mind wanders.

In my case, without sounding malicious, my mind just drifts to whispering mischievous lyrics under my breath that go like, “here comes the bride, big fat and wide, here comes the groom, skinny as a broom.” Try as I might I can never get those words out of my silly mind whenever I hear the organ music playing “Here come’s the bride.” Not my finest hour.

Now Mendelssohn’s ‘Wedding March’ is different beast entirely. Beast being the operative word as we are dealing with Pagan deities.

Typically used in church wedding recessionals, the ‘Wedding March’ piece has sparked controversy due to its literary origins. The Prussian monarch Friedrich Wilhelm IV commissioned Mendelssohn to compose incidental music for many pieces that were based upon Greek mythology and tragedy in order to revive the genre of literature and performance. Among his commissions, in 1843 Mendelssohn composed a setting for William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream; the setting comprises twelve musical numbers and a finale. The plot of Shakespeare's play focuses on a pagan god and goddess and is filled with fairies, magic, and fantasy. Due to the piece's pagan, fantastic inspirations, some puritanical leaders and musicians - particularly in Roman Catholic churches - have found the piece to be inappropriate for a Christian religious ceremony. In its defence at least Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream was a comedy with a happy ending.

If you’re feeling traditional rather than puritanical then the joyous Mendelssohn ‘Wedding March’ might still be a great option either as a processional or recessional.

If you’re looking for options outside of either Wagner and Mendelssohn then it’s really a matter of exercising good taste alongside what suits the personal tone of your wedding.

Off the top of my head I keep coming back to Johann Sebastian Bach.

Bach’s many cantatas and fugues seem to tick all the boxes. In particular there is Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (derived from the cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, "Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life”). There is also the Toccata and Fugue in D minor ‘Dorian’ BWV 538 and the Toccata and Fugue in F Major, BWV 540. Arioso in A flat for solo piano from Cantata No. 156 "Ich steh`mit einem Fuss im Grabe is softly elegant. A particular favourite piece of mine is Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten, BWV 202, the ‘Wedding Cantata’. Of course many would point out that Bach’s Ave Maria would be perfect for a processional but I would think twice about that. As beautiful as the piece is it is about the Virgin Mary after all and you may invite unwanted speculation from your guests if you are (cough) chaste.

Trumpet Tune in D by Jeremiah Clarke is a little more festive. Or consider his more famous Trumpet Voluntary ‘The Prince of Denmark's March’.

Charles-Marie Widor was a fine composer and his Toccata (from Symphony for Organ No. 5) is spiritually intense for traditional organ music.

Eugène Gigout's famous Grand Chœur Dialogué might appeal to you as well.

G.F. Handel’s Water Music Suite - Air has a graceful and calming tone. The Arrival of The Queen of Sheba (Solomon) HWV 67 is upbeat and was made for a processional.

Beethoven’s Für Elise is perfect to calm last minute panic attacks before you go up the aisle.

And how can one forget Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

The Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major, K. 525 or more commonly known as Eine kleine Nachtmusik KV. 525 - II. Romanze: Andante is a beautiful melody familiar to many and sets a soothing tone. Ave verum corpus, K.618 is profoundly spiritual and lifts your hearts up to the angels. ‘Alleluia’ from ‘Exsultate, jubilate’ is wonderful if you can get your hands on a competent soprano. If you are feeling more adventurous then the Spanish Wedding March from The Marriage of Figaro which might be to your taste.

Elgar’s Salut d'Amour, Op. 12 is soft, inviting and makes one feel you’re in some 19th Century romance novel set at court.

Elgar finished the piece in July 1888, when he was romantically involved with Caroline Alice Roberts, and he called it Liebesgruss ('Love's Greeting') because of Miss Roberts' fluency in German. When he returned home to London on 22 September from a holiday at the house of his friend Dr. Charles Buck, in Settle, he presented it to her as an engagement present. The dedication was in French: à Carice. 'Carice' was a combination of his wife's names Caroline Alice, and was the name to be given to their daughter born two years later.

Edvard Grieg’s Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6 is magnificently playful.

Jean-Joseph Mouret’s Rondeau from Sinfonie de Fanfares is a beautiful Baroque piece. What’s a wedding without trumpets that could be heard all the way into the heavens?

Gluck’s Dance of the Blessed Spirits from his Orfeo et Euridice can be an elegant choice to do a recessional. Perfect for sensitive souls.

Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane, Op. 50 is sublime. I can never get tired of listening to it. Would make a worthy piece as a processional.

I would also throw into the mix Gaetano Donizetti’s ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ (A furtive tear) is the romanza from Act II of his delightful opera L'elisir d'amore.

It is sung by Nemorino (a tenor) when it appears that the love potion he bought to win the heart of his dream lady, Adina, works. Nemorino is in love with Adina, but she is not interested in a relationship with an innocent, rustic man. To win her heart, Nemorino buys a love potion with all the money he has in his pocket. That love potion is actually a cheap red wine sold by a traveling quack doctor, but when he sees Adina weeping, he knows that she has fallen in love with him, and he is sure that the "elixir" has worked. It may not fit your idea of a processional but I would try and use it some where in your wedding - perhaps at the reception.

I feel guilty about trashing on Wagner and Mendelssohn so I will leave you with two final thoughts. Reconsider Wagner’s opera Lohengrin. Forget the Bridal Chorus but instead listen to the chorus ‘Gesegnet soll sie schreiten’ in Act II. The various horns give this chorus a dreamlike quality and you feel like you are floating on air. Mendelssohn’s On Wings of Song is a powerful and poignant piano piece and quite suitable to play as your guests away your arrival in church.

I am sure there are other great classical music pieces that I have neglected to mention but others reading this might give their thoughts in the comments below.

If knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, then wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. So give careful and considered thought to what music you throw together into the mix as your church wedding processional and recessional.

Congratulations again and I hope it’s a special day for both of you and your families and friends.

Thanks for your question.

#question #wedding #music #wedding music #classical #tradition #church wedding #processional #recessional #personal #bio

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spaceorphan18 · 5 years ago

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Fantasia

Okay, where to even start with this. I think this is a super ambitious project that both works and doesn’t work. It’s like going to a two hour classical concert with visuals. Was it groundbreaking for its time, and somewhat revolutionary for music and animation? Yes! Can it be tedious to sit through? My god yes.

When I was younger - I used to think Fantasia was four hours long. It’s only two but ngl, the second half of the film, I really struggled. I think if they had cut out at least two of the segments, I’d probably have been able to handle it a little better.

I’ll say this -- classical music, at least to me, is like trying to read a science textbook - it requires full attention at all times to retain what you’ve read. I think one of the reasons (for me personally) this film is hard is that to actually sit all the way through it requires a lot of focus, and that can be taxing. Classical music is great! And the animation here is (mostly) great. But it’s a lot to jam in two hours.

Alright - so let’s dig in here. (Get ready for some full on music nerdiness.)

Overview -

The film breaks down into segments that go along with classical pieces. You guys all know these pieces, even if you don’t know their names. Most of them have been used countless times in pop culture and commercials -- but I can see how this would be a bit revolutionary for the time because in the 40s there really wasn’t pop culture or commercials to devalue these these great musical art pieces. But -- that’s an entirely different tangent to go on.

So, the segments are broken up by a looming, silhouetted dude named Deems, who introduces us to each of the pieces. While Deems is entertaining just because he’s shrouded in darkness for most of his monologues - most of this could have been conveyed via title card - but I get that they were going for a concert-esque feel.

The Segments --

1. Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach.

The play list is like a Now!Classical Music CD, and I’m not surprised that Bach kicks the whole thing off. Interestingly, they start off simple -- there’s not a whole lot of animation going on, just pictures and shapes and colors. It’s a lot like listening to music while watching a screen saver on your computer. I don’t consider that a criticism, either. It’s sort of a way to slide the audience into what they’re going to be doing for the rest of the film. And I almost like the abstract idea over some of the more story-focused segments they’ll do later on.

I love this piece in general - so I’m find with sitting the whole through the whole thing. The funniest part, though, was at the beginning when Deems talked about how this piece may not evoke a specific thing -- when in fact, if most of you heard the opening chords, you’ll most likely automatically think of Dracula. ;)

2. The Nutcracker Suite by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

This is the one I remember the most from when I was a kid - probably because it was the section I enjoyed the most since I knew the music.

The whole thing is nature based, and I really appreciate how they incorporated different cultures into the different dances. While it’s on the longer side, I think it’s one of the ones that works the best. It’s visually stunning and engaging. And it’s also super interesting to see the Suite without any Christmas or Ballet connotations.

3. The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Paul Dukas.

This is, perhaps, the most famous section of the film - since it’s about Mickey Mouse, and the imagery is used a lot in Disney commercialism.

It’s a fine little cartoon about Mickey being a sorcerer’s apprentice -- getting into a bit of hijinx. It plays out a lot like a traditional cartoon would (old Warner Brother’s classics come to mind - like Bugs Bunny singing Opera). It’s not the best section, nor the worst. It’s just kind of.. there.

4. Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky.

So, I should preface this with -- I’m not a fan of Stravinsky. Sorry. Yes - I get the guy was a genius, and really revolutionary, and pushing the boundaries of what Western Tonality could do. But I just don’t engage with his music very well.

That said, I don’t think this is a ‘bad’ section, it’s just unintentionally funny at times. It is -- a 1940′s view of the history of life on earth, which to someone living in the 2010s, feels very dated.

On the one hand - there’s some interesting visuals here - particularly the underwater life, even if it’s not at all accurate. On the other hand, the dinosaurs are kind of laughable, though there is one genuinely tense moment between a T-Rex and a Stegosaurus.

My biggest issue is that it feels like it just goes on and on. Part of it is the music, and the arrangement in particular. (Apparently Stravinsky was not a fan either.) And this is where my attention begins to wane.

5. There’s an Intermission at this point - complete with jazz music (almost a welcome break from the classical, which can be taxing to listen to for long periods of time), and an animated white string to show you what sound waves look like (which I’m sure was fascinating to people who’ve never seen what a sound wave looks like before).

6. The Pastoral Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven.

So, I love Beethoven - he is my favorite classical composer. But this, man. I don’t know. The Pastoral is not my favorite symphony -- I feel like the 5th, the 9th, and even the 7th might have been more interesting choices here. But even more so - this is one of those times that I like to listen at my own leisure, and the animation on screen almost feels like a detriment to the piece itself.

The Pastoral is a collection of scenes from nature. Fantasia uses a Greek Myth theme, and ties into the whole nature-esque thing the music is doing. While I understand what they were going for, especially the ending with Zues throwing around lightning bolts during the ‘thunderstorm’ portion of the symphony, the whole thing feels a bit tedious and purposefully elongated.

The animation, I guess, is fine - it’s a bit more cartoon-ish than some of the more artfully done segments.

Also - this is a good point to mention that most of the second half of the music is slower in tempo and timbre and I’m not sure why they would do this.

7. Dance of the Hours by Amilcare Ponchielli.

And... this is where I had the most trouble focusing. Apparently this was all supposed to be comic. Maybe I just didn’t get it. Mostly, it’s a bunch of dancing animals, one mini-segment for each part of the day. And I found it incredibly boring.

Comparatively, the animation on this one seems the weakest. The backgrounds are dull and uninspired next to pretty much every other segment. The dancing animals didn’t seem all that engaging. Oh - and in case you’re wondering, the opening section of this was parodied in that old “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” short cartoon - so I kept thinking of that instead of the ostriches prancing around in tutus. Yeah.

8. Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky and Ave Maria by Franz Schubert.

This segment is actually really pretty cool, and something I would have enjoyed much better if I hadn’t been ready to be done with the film. It kind of depicts this darker spirits (and possibly The Devil) during the night, all leaving at dawn. The animation here really sells it -- it’s completely unlike anything that’s in the film prior to it, and unlike anything Disney did in his previous work. It’s really quite beautiful and haunting is a great piece to end on.

Final Thoughts: This is a tough one to talk about - because it’s one of those things where on one hand, you want to be intellectual about, and study and appreciate it as an art form. On the other hand - it can be tedious - especially if you’re attempting a casual watch through. I feel like you really have to be in the right mindset going in to enjoy it.

#thoughts on disney #clearly i had a lot to say #this film goes on and on much like this review

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holysandwichfest · 5 years ago

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How Did We Get Here? The History of best portable keyboard

On the age of eighty one, the pianist Shura Cherkassky states He's touring much more now than he did in his 70s. Mr. Cherkasskys performances have attained common recognition particularly in the final 10 years, when he was labeled an awesome Romantic pianist -- towards his wishes.

I dont similar to this label, he stated emphatically in a very current telephone job interview from his property in London, where he has lived for over a decade. I dont belong to any Specific category.

Mr. Cherkassky, who began undertaking in 1923, will Enjoy a recital on Friday at 8 P.M. with the McCarter Theater in Princeton, a method He'll repeat at Carnegie Corridor on April 21. On the program is going to be Bachs Toccata and Fugue in D insignificant (BWV 565), Schuberts Sonata in a very (Op. Posth.), D. 959, two works by Chopin -- the Ballade in F slight and Variants on Mozarts La ci darem la mano from Don Giovanni -- Berios Encores Pour Piano and Balakirevs Oriental Fantasy (Islamey).

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Seeking back again above his many years as being a pianist, Mr. Cherkassky claimed that in relearning aged items, I play them otherwise. He additional: Its tricky to know whats improved. My taking part in is much more mature, richer.

He methods four hours on a daily basis instead of a single minute less, he said. Once i practice, I need a clock.

He doesnt educate, and refuses to give master classes. Some pianists like to show, but I dont, he claimed. Thank goodness I dont have to show.

Performers, he explained, dont make great academics. They may be much too egotistical and self-centered, he said. Ages ago, After i experienced to do it fiscally, I taught some female who stored building blunders. I wouldnt know very well what to convey. I explained, Enable it to be sing, and she mentioned, How do I do it? And that i explained, I wouldnt know the way.

Mr. Cherkasskys taking part in is noted for his singing tone, but he states he simply cannot review how he produces it.

Mr. Cherkassky has sturdy emotions about judging musical competitions. Being a prominent musician, he has usually been invited to guage, but has refused. I dont think its truthful, because someone must win, he reported. Its very good for small business. Possibly they are entitled to it, Or even the 1 who will not win is much better than the one particular who wins.

You will find possibilities towards the Level of competition route for young artists endeavoring to Develop Occupations, he explained, if they have ample willpower and self-discipline, and should they dont let something exterior -- emotions -- disturb them.

Its crucial psychologically to become an entire slave to a vocation, he stated. If you're able to resist private things, artwork gets better.

Born in 1911 in Odessa, Russia, Mr. Cherkassky was an only little one. His father was a dentist and an beginner violinist, and his mother was a pianist and piano Trainer. His spouse and children came to The us in 1923 because of the political upheaval in his homeland. It wasn't until 1976 that he returned to Russia. His performances At the moment, he claimed, experienced terrific psychological significance for him.

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Soon just after his arrival in The us with the age of twelve, he played a command general performance for the White Household for President Warren G. Harding and gave performances for the two Paderewski and Rachmaninoff. The good pianist and Instructor Josef Hofmann, he claimed, was the greatest impact on his taking part in.

In the 1991-92 time, Mr. Cherkassky gave a number of Worldwide performances in celebration of his eightieth birthday, on Oct. 7.

Men and women talk to how at my age I have a great deal power, he mentioned. He attributes his excellent health and fitness to ingesting large quantities of plain yogurt each day and also to a every day dose of the Japanese consume known as Pocari Sweat, which contains sugar, nutritional vitamins and nothing synthetic. It had been advised by a doctor in Tokyo being a heal to the flu.

This season, Mr. Cherkasskys performances contain concert events in Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Canada and The us.

I adore Japan, he claimed. Its the only real place in which I get alongside very well. They may be fanatics on punctuality, plus they think of every little thing in advance.

The Berio items on Fridays application are identified as Water Piano, Earth Piano and Hearth Piano and are quick abstract functions. You must make use of your creativeness, Mr. Cherkassky said. The first piece is melodic, almost like Chopin. The second a person is placing notes, no melody in the slightest degree, and the final one is more like the fire, with plenty of operating passages.

Chopins Don Giovanni Variants, an early Chopin get the job done, is not as famous as Liszts variants on precisely the same concept. After, Mr. Cherkassky performed both equally sets of versions on the identical system, he said. The combination presented an extreme dose with the operatic topic, but an interesting comparison. Chopins variations tend to be more sensitive and even more lyrical than Liszts, Mr. Cherkassky explained.

Tickets for the Princeton live performance are $25 and $28. Reservations can be obtained by calling (609) 683-8000.

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merrybrides · 5 years ago

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13 Stylish Halloween Wedding Ideas for Your Ceremony and Reception

From your gown to your getaway car and everything in between, there are so many creative ways to tie Halloween wedding ideas into your day-of details. For Halloween superfans, take the full-on Halloween-themed wedding route and fill your ceremony and reception venues with pumpkins, cobwebs, vines, various inky hues and other spooky touches. But even if you love Halloween, you don’t have to go quite so over the top if that’s not your style. Include more subtle nods to the autumn holiday—stick to Halloween wedding shoes hidden under your dress or hand out Halloween wedding favors at the end of the night. The perfect Halloween wedding ideas for your day are closer than you think��check out our favorites right here.

1. Themed Invitation Suite

Send creative Halloween wedding invitations to introduce your themed celebration right from the start—without giving too much away. We love these invites designed like Tarot cards, for example, which provide a hint of Halloween magic with mysterious undertones without going overboard.

2. Alternative Wedding Attire

When it comes to your wedding dress, play with deep colors and antique embellishments for a moody, gothic feel. Since it might be trickier to get your hands on a specifically Halloween-themed wedding dress, simple accents can help turn your gown from ordinary to Halloween-worthy in no time. Try a dark-hued sash cinched at the waist with an embellished brooch, or opt for black birdcage wedding veil, a pair of short gloves and antique jewelry.

3. Dramatic Makeup

Unless your wedding is a full blown Halloween costume party, you probably won’t want your makeup to be too Halloween-ish. Instead of asking your makeup artist for Halloween wedding makeup specifically, come to them with a few dramatic ideas, like a darker smokey eye or a deep plum lip color. To avoid going overboard, choose to highlight one area such as the eyes or lips.

4. On-Theme Wedding Party

Outfit your wedding party in rich, deep shades like charcoal, burgundy, black or plum. If you want, add layers and extras in the form of capelets, dark manicures, crocheted shawls, chokers and sheer scarves for a look that’s sinister yet stylish. As for your smaller attendants like the flower girl, ring bearer or a four-legged helper, you might have a little more freedom to indulge in the Halloween spirit.

5. Sinister Ceremony Details

A perfect Halloween wedding idea for your ceremony is to take advantage of the whole “until death do us part” verse in your vows—if you’re up for it, why not sneak a bit of dark humor into your ceremony to perpetuate the Halloween fun? As for the rings, have the ring bearer carry the bands in a coffin or tomb stone ring pillow.

6. Reception Décor

The sky’s the limit when it comes to Halloween wedding ideas for your reception. Use luxe black linens in heavy velvet to accent a few spaces in your venue or cover your tables in spindly black lace. A draped entrance, suave cocktail bar or a decked-out dessert table is more than enough to introduce the theme into the room. Use lighting to elevate the ambience too: Candelabras add a gothic, vintage feel while still looking timeless in photos.

7. Photo Booth

Photo booths are always a popular wedding reception extra, but guests will really be ready to snap photos at a such a fun, themed party—especially if you include awesome props. Craft a spooky photo set with a velvety curtain for the backdrop and, if resources allow, deck out the set with old furniture and fake spider webs. Include easy-to-wear props for your guests like hats, gloves and boas.

8. Gothic Blooms

For your bouquet, think dark roses, blood-red calla lilies, black feathers, then add branches and tons of candle votives to the tables for the ultimate Halloween wedding centerpieces. If space allows, consider hanging antique chandeliers over the dance floor garnished with fake cobwebs.

9. Fun Cocktails

Ask your caterer to create a signature Halloween wedding drink for your cocktail hour. Apples are a seasonal staple (and perfect to play up the poison apple motif). Turn them into a rum apple cider, or go for green apple martinis garnished with fresh slices. If you really want to go all out with the bar area, have your bartender concoct a batch of party punch with dry ice in it. The smokey effect will be downright enchanting, and guests can help themselves to as much as they please.

10. Moody Music

our Halloween wedding ideas don’t all have to take the form of décor—match your music to the theme too. There are always Halloween favorites like "Monster Mash," "Thriller," and the theme song from "The Addams Family." And an original way to elevate your music is to hire an organist play to at your wedding ceremony (try Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor") and a pianist or cellist perform solo during dinner (Bolcom's "Graceful Ghost Rag" and Liszt's "Mephisto Waltz" are both great options). You and your guests will feel like you’re dining in the coolest haunted mansion ever.

11. Tricked Out Cake

When it comes to your wedding cake, focus on the flavors and toppers. Red velvet obviously fits right in with your Halloween wedding décor (and it’s absolutely delicious). Try something seasonal like pumpkin spice cake and decadent cream cheese frosting. As for the display, a pair of miniature pumpkins with a sweet (or spooky) message is the perfect, understated cake topper—but you’re welcome to get even more macabre with your Halloween wedding cake details if you’re so inclined.

12. Halloween Favors

Your Halloween wedding favors could be anything from a make-your-own candy bar (include cellophane bags and bowls of sweet favorites) to locally made caramel apples or splits of champagne with a customized label (like “Witch’s Brew: Drink If You Dare"). You could also send your guests home with miniature pumpkins, Halloween decorated cake pops and cupcakes or even a deck of Tarot cards.

13. Grand Exit

One of our favorite, underrated Halloween wedding ideas is including a souped up, spooky getaway car—because your reception departure obviously needs to be as fabulous as the party before it. If the forecast calls for cooler temps, make your getaway in a black town car. To really make a statement, opt for a black, antique, horse-drawn buggy. Have your driver play the part in a top hat, tails and gloves to complete the look.

#halloween wedding #halloween wedding ideas #halloween

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0nlythrowharrybeaux · 6 years ago

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Meet Me in the Hallway - Four

It was now night two at the O2. Harry’s dad came with his girlfriend and he got wrapped up in this conversation about classic rock with Lucy. And he was just amazed by how everywhere she went people just liked her.

“How is this possible… literally, every single person she meets… charmed.” Harry mumbled to Jeff and Mitch as they watched the interaction from the snack table.

“Thas’ how you are, too.” Jeff said and Mitch chuckled.

“It’s true.”

“How am I not supposed to like her? My parents like her a whole bloody lot more than me!” He said and they both laughed, “I think I even like her more than I like me.”

“Those are dangerous words, my friend.” Mitch said wrapping his arm around Harry’s shoulder.

“Our boy’s a softy.” Jeff said making Harry roll his eyes and Mitch laugh.

That show was very fun, and since it was the last one they were going to hang out after and have some drinks since his family and friends had come to see him. Lucy stuck with Clare and Sarah for most of the night, chatting and being more social than any of them had ever seen her. Eventually, her and Clare started playing the piano, each taking different parts of the song. Everyone gathered around as they played the famous Toccata and Fugue, Lucy on the higher keys and Clare on the lower keys, it was entertaining to watch, because this is quite difficult, they needed to be in perfect sync and know the song and each other’s parts perfectly in order to make it even sound cohesive and they were managing to do so. They were showcasing their skill level and Harry is quite proud that these two people are on his team. When they played the last notes the room was overcome with a strong clap and they were giggling and smiling proudly at a job well done and muttering about how long it had been since either of them played a classical piece.

After she greeted and thanked a few people for their compliments, Lucy started heading towards the doors, Harry’s eyes followed her and watched as she slipped out, probably to call her dad, as she usually did, it was evening his time. He liked that she made it part of her routine; when she wasn’t with him, he called his mum every single day and let her know that he was alright, happy, and healthy. After a few minutes he did as he had done a few times now, he excused himself from the group he was chatting with and slipped out as well. The cool night air felt incredible on his heated skin, tonight’s show had been intense, he had given everything and it felt nice to breathe fresh air. He looked to his right and then left, searching for her, the lighting outside was dim and then he saw her circle around one of the buses, sure enough, he could hear her speaking, phone pressed to her ear as she continued on her trajectory. He came closer and when she was coming back around she caught sight of him and he smiled softly, and she returned the smile, heading toward him.

“He’s actually here now.” She said into the phone and then chuckled, “Yeah, hold on.” She said before putting it on speaker.

“Harry, I heard the show was great tonight!” Her dad chirped excitedly and he smiled.

“Yeah, I feel really good about it.” He said.

“That’s good! I’m thinking of coming to the L.A. show, the final show.” He said and him and Lucy both laughed at his pun. “Just because I like you I’ll let you have that one.” He said making them both laugh again. “So are you trying to make a move on my daughter, or what?” Both their eyes grew wide and Lucy went red before squawking out a loud,

“Dad!?!?”

“What? A father needs to know these things, sweetheart!” And she shook her head, mouthing a ‘sorry’ before Harry chuckled and responded.

“Maybe…”

“Maybe what?”

“I may be trying to make a move on her.” He chuckled, “she’s quite an incredible person.” Harry said, smiling at Lucy and her dad stated that of course she was.

“After all, she is my daughter, what more would one expect?” He said haughtily.

“Well, if you’ve both embarrassed me enough… I’d love to get inside, m’a bit cold.” She said and it didn’t take long for Harry to drape the jacket he was wearing over her shoulders.

“Alright, sweetie, talk to you tomorrow?” He asked and she smiled at Harry thankfully, eyes not leaving his.

“Yeah, dad. Love you.”

“Love you most. Bye Harry.”

“Bye!” He said and soon she hung up.

“Sorry about him, he’s crazy.” She said, looking down at the ground and he smiled.

“Y’always do tha.” He chuckled, letting his hand lift her chin, so that their eyes were meeting and she still looked away.

“What?” She asked innocently.

“Ya’ look away. Look at me.” He said, a smile coming over his lips as she fought for her eyes to just stay on his.

“I’m not good at eye contact.” She admitted, holding it for a few seconds before moving his hand from her chin and just holding it in her smaller one.

“Why’s tha’?” He inquired.

“Dunno… never been good at it. But when it’s you… s’like…” she paused, their eyes meeting again and she bit her lip, making an effort to keep them on his. Harry’s brows were furrowed, listening to her.

“It’s like what?” He pressed.

“S’like you can see through everything and it makes me nervous.” She confessed. It just felt like he was 100% focused on her, like every little thing about her in that moment was revealed and it was nerve-racking.

“Is that so bad?” He asked and she shrugged.

“No one’s ever really looked at me that way, so it’s just something to get used to, I guess.”

“Well you’ve done it just now.” He smiled and she chuckled, looking back down, focusing on his hand in hers for a moment, studying the rings he was wearing today.

“I was trying really hard.” She said quietly, smiling and then let go of his hand and it felt cold and empty without hers wrapped around it. “You really did an incredible job today, made me cry again.” She said and he chuckled.

“Which song?” He asked.

“From the Dining Table.” She said and he knew where this was going and why it made her cry. “It hurts me to think that someone made you feel that way.” She nearly whispered, that actually shocked him, he thought it would be something about Ezra. “Of all people, y’don’t deserve that.”

“I’ve made mistakes, Lucy. Bad ones and I’ve hurt people too.” He confessed quietly.

“I know… but I just don’t like the thought of you feeling that way.”

“And what way is that?” He asked and she sighed.

“Heartbroken. It makes me feel upset that you were hurt that way.”

“Don’t be, m’alright now.” He assured her and she looked up into his eyes again. “I’m more worried about you, right now.” He said and she huffed.

“I’ll be alright. I have you and Jeff, the girls, and the guys… I’ll get over it eventually.”

“Yeah, you will. I know it feels like the world is ending, but I promise you it’s not. S’just the start of a new one… a better one.” He reasoned, voice soft and quiet, offering her a kind smile and her eyes trailed down to his lips, wanting to kiss him and actually taste him. To kiss him because it was him and he was beautiful, and kind, and smart. Her eyes fluttered closed, brows furrowing in frustration.

Harry didn’t say a word, letting her make a choice, he let her fight this one on her own. But he couldn’t help but smile as her hand curled around his neck, pulling him down to her lips. She was so careful at first, just lightly touching her lips to his. She could still feel her heart beating rapidly, making her anxious and unsure of her actions. She pulled back a bit, inhaling sharply though her mouth, he could feel her puffs of air. She wasn’t ready to pull away though, she was just nervous, her fingers curling into the hair at the nape of his neck.

“Keep going.” He whispered, encouraging her to do what she wanted and it didn’t take much more than that for her to tiptoe once more and meld her lips with his. Her tummy swarmed with butterflies as she felt his warm lips on hers again.

Her top lip was tucked nicely between his lips and in one go she kissed at his bottom lip, slightly sucking the pink, swollen skin between her own lips. When he felt her smooth and warm little tongue against his lips he just about lost it. He’d been craving her for so long. He wanted to lick into her mouth slowly, become familiar with her taste and her kisses. He was fighting his hardest to let this moment be hers. He smiled into the kiss when she reached for his hand blindly and placed it on her own hip, letting him pull her closer to his body. It wasn’t a wet, sloppy, or advanced kiss; just a simple kiss that he knew was a lot for her at this time. So when she started pulling back he held back from reconnecting their lips. Biting down rather hard on his own bottom lip to remind himself that this was for her.

“Sorry.” She said quietly, hugging him tightly, her head pressed against his chest and he hugged her back. “You say such nice things sometimes, I couldn’t help m’self.” She whispered and he smiled.

“That’s alright.” He chuckled a bit and she swallowed hard, probably feeling super nervous and shy after and he squeezed her reassuringly. “Hey, it’s okay. S’not like I expect you to kiss me all the time now. As you said, it just happens sometimes, it feels like the right thing to do in the moment.” And she nodded.

For a few moments they both stood there, holding each other in silence, it was nice, they fit quite well together and they both took mental note of how good it felt to be like this with each other. After a minute or so Lucy pulled back a little, her chin tilting up so that she was looking up at him, really making an effort to be with him in this moment, eyes on his, talking honestly.

“Did she ever call you? You know, to apologize?” She asked softly, of the person who inspired From the Dining Table, and Harry tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“No.” He frowned a little, remembering how awful it feels to still have something like that up in the air, to not have closure in the way you want it.

“I’m sorry.” She said softly, her eyes still connected to his, he knew she was trying to give him what he needed, despite her current state of pain. She was in no condition to give anything, she needed to just heal.

“You don’t have to, y’know?”

“Don’t have to what?”

“Maintain eye contact; I know it’s hard for you, was just pointing it out.” He stated.

“I know, but I want to though. Want to get better at it because I know that it’s important to you.” She admitted, she was fighting so hard to allow him access like this, it was making her nervous, he could sense it. “Maybe I should kiss you more often so we don’t have to make eye contact as much.” She joked making him chuckle.

“S’that how far you’d go to avoid it?”

“It’s not like it’s a bad option, your lips are quite nice.” She said, this time she did shy away.

“Lucy, if you flirt with me I will flirt back twice as hard.” He warned, grinning smugly and she giggled.

“Sorry…you’re just so nice to me and it just makes me feel good and I want to make you feel just as good and as happy as you do me.” His heart wrenched in his chest, how could anyone ever treat her any other way? It was beyond him.

“Tonight, come stay with me.” He said and she shook her head.

“But your mom. Isn’t she going with you?” And he shook his head.

“She decided to stay with Shelli, they’ve got lots of catching up to do.” He said smiling and she smiled.

“Okay, then I’ll stay with you.”

“Good. I could talk to you all fucking day and all fucking night and never get bored.” He said grinning as she hugged him a bit tighter. She loved the way her heart would swell when he’d say things like that to her. He made her feel special and beautiful and Lucy thinks that everyone deserves that. “Alright, lets go back inside, you keep shivering.” He said pulling back, letting his hand rest on her lower back as he ushered her back to the door.

Once the little “after party” ended they all loaded into the buses as they were driving to Glasgow. Once again, Harry and Lucy were tucked away in the back compartment, Harry’s humidifier was releasing a relaxing lavender vapor and the changing colors of the machine were giving the room a pretty and dim glow. They were just asking each other questions.

“Cats or dogs?” He asked and she was quick to respond.

“Dogs. Always.” And he gasped a bit. “What?”

“Well… I like both equally, but I’ve grown up more with cats.” He said and she hummed.

“I just find dogs to be more kind. Cats are a gamble… they’re almost too human. Dogs are more innocent, better friends, more playful.” She said.

“That’s true… your turn.” He whispered and she hummed, thinking of a question.

“What is the most underrated song you’ve ever heard in your life?”

“Why do ya ask such hard questions?” He whined and she chuckled.

“Okay then… who was your first crush?” She asked and he smiled.

“Her name was Amelia, from first grade.” He said and she smiled. “Who was yours?” he asked and she turned to her side to face him, brows furrowed.

“You can’t just recycle my questions, you’re supposed to think of your own.”

“Well you’re asking the question I’m about to ask so…” he said and she rolled her eyes, “Answer it, come on.” He said and she bit her lip.

“It was actually my ballet instructor. His name was Johan, he was a Danish guy. Very handsome.”

“Well, if you’re into that, I was told to do ballet for my back.” He said and she giggled.

“I only took ballet for like two years, I was “too big” to be graceful.” She said chuckling.

“I resent that. Johan was a proper dick.” He said and she agreed.

“Preach it.” She exclaimed before they laughed a bit.

Being with him felt easy and nice. Lucy started noticing that when she was around him she would get a little more nervous, her tummy was more sensitive. She found herself wanting to know everything there was to him. She loved making him laugh and seeing him smile. She loved making him feel like he’s hung the sun, moon, and stars in the sky because in a way, he had done that for her. But more than that, she started noticing that her mind couldn’t shake thoughts of how his hands felt in hers, how nice it felt to be wrapped in his warm and strong arms, how it felt to only be breathing in his scent and cologne, or how it felt to kiss him. But she was afraid of this perhaps being a rebound, she could never use Harry that way.

“Can I be straight forward with you?” She said softly and he hummed. “It’s not that I don’t… find myself attracted to you or that I will only ever see you as my boss or a friend… I don’t want to use you as a rebound. I could never use you like that.” She said and he smiled.

“I get it, don’t worry.”

“Okay.” She said quietly, “I also feel that you should know that you’re a way better kisser than he who shall not be named.” And he just laughed, making her begin to giggle.

“Well, you haven’t seen anything yet.” He teased and Lucy just giggled, leaning forward and placing a kiss on his cheek.

“That’s for all of the lovely things you’ve done for me. I truly appreciate you.” She said and he smiled at that, pulling her closer to his body and humming contently as her fingers ran through his messy hair. He was falling for her so fast he wasn’t eve sure what to do to slow down. Literally, it felt like free falling, but somehow he knew that right before he hit the bottom of this seemingly endless precipice she would swoop right in and catch him.

They woke up the next morning and they were still on route; it wasn’t even an 8 hour drive, but it seemed stretched out. Harry had managed to make himself the little spoon as he preferred and he loved feeling Lucy’s warm little puffs of air, tickling the back of his neck. He moved and she squeezed her arms around him.

“Please don’t, s’so cold.” She groaned and he smiled.

“We need to get up, we’re nearly there.” He said, turning and making her the little spoon.

“When we’re ten minutes away you can make me get up.” She said and he agreed and decided to relish in this moment with Lucy. They were quietly keeping each other warm, they were both thinking about how nice it would be to wake up feeling so full and happy every day.

“Y’know that after last night you’re my designated cuddle bug, right?” He asked and she smiled happily.

“Works for me.” She said and nuzzled further into her. They were dozing off until the compartment door flew open making them both look to see who their intruder was; it was Mitch and Harry shot him a bothered look.

“Yeah, they’re both here. In bed.” He sputtered on a laugh before sitting on the edge and putting the phone on speaker.

“Lucy! I thought you stayed behind with us!” Jeff groaned and she shot up, suddenly remembering that she was supposed to tell him before getting on the bus.

“Shit! I’m so sorry… I thought I told you.”

“I was worried sick! We’ve been looking for you everywhere!” He nearly shouted.

“Hey, hey no need to shout at her.” Harry cut in and Mitch closed the door, he knew Harry could flip the switch quickly.

“I have every fucking right to shout! What if something bad happened to you!? How could I have even known?” He exclaimed, the frustration clear on his voice.

“Well it didn’t, she’s fine, she’s with me. Chill out, man.”

“Shut the fuck up, Harry. I’m talking to Lucy. I didn’t hire you to sneak around with Harry and be this careless!” And this made Harry snap.

“Who are you telling to shut the fuck up?! Y’know s’not like that! Apologize, to her, right now, Jeff!” He snarled and Lucy shook her head as Mitch stood awkwardly. Obviously, Jeff said he wouldn’t apologize, he really didn’t have to and this just started a screaming match between the two.

“Just, stay out of it, they’ll get over it soon.” Mitch said quietly as Harry was pacing around the space. Lucy shook her head and walked over to Harry, her hand landing on his tensed jaw, making him glance down to her, his eyes softening as he saw how upset she was and how guilty she looked. Jeff finally stopped screaming and Lucy sighed.

“I’m sorry. I could’ve sworn that I let you know. I know I typed it out.” She said and Jeff sighed.

“M’sorry too, I was just worried. I overreacted; should’ve thought to call someone else first. I’m sorry Harry, I was rude, that was out of line.” He said, his breathing calming. Once again, her thumb skimmed Harry’s cheek bone, urging him to also apologize, her eyes not leaving his and he caved so easily, sucking in a large breath.

“Sorry for shouting at you, man.” He said monotonously and Lucy held back a chuckle, he was being such a baby about it.

“So are we all good now?” Lucy asked, pushing Harry back to the bed and letting him sit before taking Mitch’s phone from his hand.They both called out a ‘yes’, “Good.”

“Just keep your phones on, yeah? And charged.” He said and she nodded.

“Yeah, I will.” She said glancing to Harry, “Harry will too.”

“Right, we’ll see you guys tonight.”

“Bye.” She said before handing the phone to Mitch. “Sorry for dragging you into this.” She said and he offered a small smile.

“It’s okay, it happens.” He said quietly.

“Are we far?” Harry spoke up.

“Still about an hour or so.” Mitch said and he glanced up at him.

“Alright, thanks man.” He said quietly and Mitch just left silently.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to cause a fight. I could’ve sworn I messaged him.” Lucy explained quickly and Harry shook his head.

“It’s alright and it doesn’t matter, he shouldn’t have been shouting at you like that.” Harry said sternly and he seemed a little cold; Jeff was upset and with good reason.

“I get why though, please just get over it.” She said and he frowned.

“I’ve seen you get shouted at once before and I disliked it just as much. I don’t want to see that happen ever again; you don’t need to shout to sort something out.” He said and she couldn’t agree more, but sometimes emotions get the best of you. She moved behind him and hugged around his shoulders and she felt him relax, his head leaning back a bit onto hers.

“Thanks though, for sticking up for me.” She said and he finally smiled a bit, his eyes growing wide when he felt her lips press to his cheek.

She’s been dying to kiss him again. but she’s been holding back. If she were honest with herself, she’s a bit confused with all the things she’s been feeling. It can be exhausting to be in this state… how is it possible to grow a fondness for someone so quickly after ending a long relationship. She does feel a bit sad about Ezra, but she had been “out” of the relationship for at least the last two years. He was just mean and bitter all the time and she was trying her best to shield herself from it, but didn’t know how to end it.

“Anytime, love. Tell me who to beat up and I’ll be ready.” He said and she scoffed.

“Could never make you give up your pacifist ways, it’s one of my favorite things about you.” She said, pulling him back so that he fell onto the bed, and soon they were all cozied up again.

“So you’ve got favorite things about me, now?” He asked smirking.

“Yeah, I have a top five actually. But I do for everyone because it’s a nice reminder of who’s in my life and why I love them.” She said and his heart grew triple its normal size because she loves him. Even if it’s not romantically, she loves him and he’s important to her and that gives him hope. Lots of it.

“That’s nice… should start one of those.” He thought aloud and she nodded.

“Yeah, it’s nice to see people and like be reminded of why they matter.” She said and he nodded.

When they arrived to the stadium in Glasgow he was getting more pumped up. As Lucy and the roadies set up the stage Harry worked out and went to try on his outfit for the show. Yeah, Jeff had technically taken her off the schedule for the UK and Ireland shows, but she still felt the need to help set up, it was a big job. She had just finished setting up the band’s monitor system when her phone buzzed from her pocket and she pulled it out quickly, seeing Harry’s name on the screen.

“What’s up?” She asked.

“Come to my dressing room.”

“Gimme a few, alright?” He said okay and she went and let her teammates know what she had done before hurrying back stage. She was walking past various rooms until she saw the one labeled “Harry Styles” and knocked. He peaked his head through and opened up wide when he saw it was her.

“No you are not!” She shrieked when he did a little spin in the kilt and Harry (Lambert) laughed. “You’re gonna give quite the show.” She said eyeing him over.

“That’s exactly what I said!” Lambie said, making Harry chuckle.

“Looks good though…” she said eyeing him over once more. “You’re… wearing something underneath, right? Otherwise you’re gonna have some people peeking under your skirt.” She said, letting her hand hit the material up as Lambie laughed and Harry pressed his hands over his lap so that the kilt wouldn’t fly up all the way.

“You’re getting quite cheeky with me!” He exclaimed, eyes wild as Lucy laughed.

“M’sorry! But if I, an impartial third party outsider, is flipping out over your kilt think of how your fans will react!” She reasoned and he grinned, dimple carving deep into his cheek.

“Exactly.”

“Jesus…” Lucy mumbled, rolling her eyes. “S’that all you needed from me? To show me your kilt?” He nodded, “Will the other boys be wearing kilts?” She asked and his brows furrowed, as if it were a real question.

“Of course!”

“Can’t wait.” She chuckled before heading out.

“Could you be anymore obvious?” Harry mumbled to Harry as he helped him out of his jacket.

“Hey…” he pouted and Harry just shrugged at him.

“Clearly she likes you back.”

“How d’you know?” He asked, really curious because this was a mess to him.

“You can just tell by the way she looks at you.” Lambie said as he took Harry’s shirt and hung it up as well.

That thought was swimming around in his mind for the rest of the day. When they sat around for lunch she hurried to call her dad. Slipping away from the crowd as she accustomed and pacing up and down the hall until he answered.

“Hey dad.” Lucy sang into the phone.

“Hi sweetheart, how’s the day?”

“S’alright. Just setting up for the show tomorrow, we’re having a lunch break right now.” She explained.

“They feeding you alright?” He asked and she chuckled.

“Yeah, really good food, promise. Healthy too… Harry’s a little bit of a health nut.”

“I really like this guy the more and more you and Irv tell me about him. I’m glad you were able to go on the tour.” He said and she smiled.

“Me too…” they continued chatting about things, he asked about the job and Jeff, and the band, but Lucy also needed some advice. “So I wanted to talk to you about something.” She said nervously.

“What’s that, pumpkin?” He asked as Lucy bit her lip before speaking, glancing up and down the hall to make sure Harry didn’t appear out of no where as he tended to. She left as soon as he started chatting with Adam.

“I think I like like Harry.” She confessed, “I know I just ended things with Ezra, but is this normal? Like to move on this fast with your feelings?” She asked and he chuckled.

“Sweetheart, love knows no limits. Attraction is natural and happens at anytime, despite the circumstance. He’s a good guy.” He said and she sighed.

“He really is… I mean, we’ve become such good friends over the course of the tour and I just- he makes me feel really happy. Happy like I’ve never felt before, y’know?”

“Believe me, I know… sounds like you’ve got it bad.” He chuckled and she sighed.

“Yeah… geez.” She hummed and he chuckled once more.

“Does he like you back?”

“I think so… I mean it seems like it at least.”

“Then just let it flow, take it slow… and soon you’ll know where it’ll go.” He improvised and she bit her lip as she attempted to hold back a smile. “I only hear great things so I’d love to meet him.”

“There’s only great things to say… s’like he’s too good to be true.” She giggled.

“Who’s too good to be true.” She heard a soft voice and turned to see Harry grinning and she rolled her eyes.

“Well dad-”

“He’s there now?” He asked and she chuckled.

“Yep.”

“Remember what I said and just… be happy. You deserve it.” He said and she smiled.

“Love you, dad.”

“Love you most. Say hello to Harry for me.” He said and she promised she would before hanging. up.

“So, who was too good to be true?” Harry asked again and she smiled timidly.

“You.”

“Me?”

“Yep.”

“Are you lying?” He questioned, grinning, looking for a sign of deception and when her eyes stayed on his it confirmed her response.

“No, could never lie to you.” She admitted. “So, the show tomorrow… that’s gonna be wild.”

“Hell yeah. I can’t wait.” He grinned.

#writing #Harry Styles #mini series #harry styles mini series #album series #mmith #harry styles fluff

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