Liszt on ‘Lohengrin’ (or: Wagner in absentia), Part 3, translation from ‘The Monthly Musical Record’ edited by David Trippett

The instrumental introduction to the third act is a lively movement of more than a hundred bars; it breathes an air of festivity and noble rejoicing, depicting to us the scenes of joy and contentment which follow the rites of Christian marriage. On listening to it one calls to mind the Paladins and their jousts, one seems to recognise the summons to the tournament and the clarions which announce the brilliant passages of arms, which should accompany the festivals and weddings of such high and powerful nobles.