The Bridal Waltz

The song 'Singin’ in the Rain' has a rich history, dating back to 1929 when Herb Brown and Arthur Freed first penned it. Its debut in The Hollywood Revue by Cliff Edwards marked a significant milestone in the film industry, symbolising the shift from silent to sound. The song's iconic status was further solidified by Gene Kelly’s memorable dance scene in the rain, a sequence filmed under challenging conditions, with Kelly battling a high fever and rainwater mixed with milk to enhance the visual effect on camera.

The film 'Singin' in the Rain' is not merely a musical but a self-aware homage to Hollywood's evolution, with Freed’s old lyrics, particularly 'Singin’ in the Rain', serving as its centrepiece. The film’s narrative is carried by a strong cast, with Debbie Reynolds, then just 19 years old, portraying Kathy Selden—the film’s moral and emotional anchor—opposite Kelly’s charismatic lead. Donald O’Connor's acrobatic comedy as Cosmo Brown and Jean Hagen's biting, Oscar-nominated performance as Lina Lamont, the shrill-voiced silent film star, add depth and dimension to the film.

Together, the cast and crew of 'Singin’ in the Rain' have crafted a film that transcends the boundaries of a mere musical. It is a timeless reflection on the themes of change, illusion, and joy. The couple dancing in the street, with music playing from a Bluetooth speaker, serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, all we need for joy is a little music and some careful planning.

Discover a unique perspective on superhero relationships and why this story is a must-read.

”Waltz in Rain
I'm singin' in the rain,
Just singin' in the rain,
What a glorious feeling,
I'm happy again!
I'm laughing at clouds.
So dark up above,
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love!
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place,
Come on with your rain,
I've got a smile on my face!
I'll walk down the lane
With a happy refrain,
Just singin', singin' in the rain!

Why am I smiling, and why do I sing?
Why does a rainy Malmö seem sunny as Spring?
Why do I get up each morning to start
Happy and head-up with joy in my heart?
Why is each new task a trifle to do?
Because I am living a life full of you!

Hey, I'm singin' in the rain,
Just singin' in the rain,
What a glorious feeling,
I'm happy again!
I'm laughing at clouds.
So dark up above,
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love!
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place,
Come on with your rain,
I've got a smile on my face!
I'll walk down the lane
With a happy refrain,
Just singin', singin' in the rain!”
Herb Brown/Arthur Freed, 1929

The Bridal Waltz
In Sweden, Felix Mendelssohn’s 'Wedding March' (from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’) is by far the most common piece for the bridal procession. It is often played on the organ as the couple walks down the aisle. However, when it comes to the ‘brudvals’—the wedding waltz where the couple dances together in front of the guests—this is a significant moment in the wedding. The 'brudvals' symbolises the couple's first dance as a married pair, and the music for this dance varies from traditional to modern. In this particular instance, when the bride and groom chose to leave the reception hall and dance outside on Södergatan, the music, fittingly enough, was ‘Dancing in the Rain’.

The choice of music for the first dance is a fascinating aspect of wedding traditions, and it's a celebration of love and joy. It varies significantly from country to country, offering a rich tapestry of musical expressions that will surely intrigue you and open your mind to new possibilities.

In Sweden, the most popular pieces include:

‘Brudvalsen’ by Evert Taube
‘The Blue Danube’ – Johann Strauss II
‘Så skimrande var aldrig havet’ – also by Evert Taube, played in waltz time
The waltz from Disney’s ‘Snow White’
‘Elvira Madigan’ (Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 21 – second movement), sometimes rearranged

In England:

‘Greensleeves’ – traditional, sometimes arranged as a waltz
‘When I Fall in Love’ – Nat King Cole
‘Moon River’ – Henry Mancini, often used for slow dancing
‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ – for elegance and nostalgia
‘Perfect’ – Ed Sheeran, a modern classic for romantic first dances

Surprisingly, many English couples today are opting for contemporary songs in 3/4 or 6/8 time over classical waltzes, adding a modern twist to this age-old tradition.

In France:

‘La Vie en Rose’ – Édith Piaf
‘Sous le ciel de Paris’ – Yves Montand / Piaf
‘Que reste-t-il de nos amours’ – Charles Trenet
‘Amélie from Montmartre’ – Yann Tiersen, especially ‘Comptine d’un autre été’

Classic musette waltzes, featuring the accordion, are also sometimes played to create an authentic Parisian feel.

In Austria and Germany:

‘Kaiser-Walzer’, ‘The Blue Danube’ – Johann Strauss II
‘Vienna, Vienna, Only You Alone’ – traditional Viennese waltz

‘Lili Marleen’ may also occasionally appear if the couple is more mature.

In the USA:

‘The Anniversary Waltz’ – Al Jolson
‘Unchained Melody’ – The Righteous Brothers (not a waltz, but often rearranged)
‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ – Elvis Presley – slow, often played in ¾ time

In Mexico and Latin America:

‘Vals de las Mariposas’
‘Sobre las Olas’ – a waltz by Juventino Rosas
Romantic ‘boleros’ or ‘rancheras’ rearranged into waltz form

Regardless of the country, the first dance is a poignant moment where music, memory, and emotion intertwine. It's a moment that connects us all, creating a shared emotional experience that is sure to bring a sentimental tear to your eye.

Back to the choice this time—’Singin' in the Rain’. The music was composed by Herb Brown, with lyrics by Arthur Freed. It was first published in 1929, long before the famous 1952 film starring Gene Kelly, which made the song immortal.

The song first appeared in a musical revue that same year, ‘The Hollywood Revue’, where it was performed by Cliff Edwards (better known as "Ukulele Ike") alongside musical acts and dance numbers from various MGM stars, including a young Joan Crawford—who, of course, would go on to become a major star. Initially, the song was written to mark the transition from silent films to sound films, making it all the more fitting that it experienced a renaissance in a movie precisely about that very transition—the one featuring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.

Why is the song so powerful? Is it the rain?

The song, 'Singin' in the Rain', is a powerful expression of joy in the face of adversity. Its simplicity is striking, resonating both sincerely and ironically, depending on the context. In the film, it’s used as an exuberant act of freedom following a romantic turning point. Yet, in modern popular culture, it can just as easily be interpreted as black humour or defiance. This resilience in the face of challenges is what makes the song so inspiring and uplifting.

When Gene Kelly performed the song in ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952), it became one of the most iconic moments in film history. His dancing in the pouring rain, twirling an umbrella, with a smile that practically bursts through the screen, is a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication. The scene was filmed despite Kelly suffering from a fever of 102°F (39°C), and the rainwater was mixed with milk to enhance the studio lighting, further highlighting the extraordinary effort put into this iconic performance.

Interestingly, the idea for the film was built around the song’s title, rather than the other way around. Arthur Freed, by then a powerful producer at MGM, wanted to create a film using a selection of his old lyrics as a framework, and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ became the centrepiece.

In the 1952 classic, Gene Kelly starred alongside three co-stars, each of whom contributed something essential to the film, helping it become one of the most beloved works in the history of the musical. Each brought their distinct qualities to the story and tone, ranging from youthful charm and physical comedy to biting satire.

Debbie Reynolds played Kathy Selden, a young woman with talent, integrity, and dreams of becoming a serious actress. Her character serves as the film’s heart, capable of both speaking and singing at a time when the shift to talking pictures demanded new skills from actors. Reynolds was only 19 during filming, while Gene Kelly, who not only starred but also choreographed much of the film, was 39. Despite the romantic chemistry on screen, the shoot was far from easy for Reynolds. Kelly was known for his perfectionism and, according to many accounts, could be challenging and demanding. Nevertheless, Reynolds delivered a performance brimming with energy and charm that has become iconic. One of the film’s most symbolically rich moments occurs when Kathy, hidden behind a curtain, provides the voice for Lina Lamont—a metaphor for the invisible labour women have often undertaken behind the scenes.

Donald O’Connor played Cosmo Brown, Kelly’s ever-present sidekick, pianist, and comic relief. With his quick wit, acrobatic dance, and physical humour, he was the perfect counterbalance to Kelly’s more romantic and dramatic performance. His number "Make ’Em Laugh" is one of the most physically gruelling comedic scenes ever filmed, leaving O’Connor so exhausted that he had to rest for several days afterwards. Already known as a gifted comedian, this became a high point in his career. Through Cosmo, he added a touch of joyful madness and musical brilliance that elevated the film’s overall tone.

Jean Hagen, who portrayed silent film diva Lina Lamont, emerged as the film’s hidden ace. With her shrill voice and inflated ego, her character symbolised everything old Hollywood sought to leave behind when sound arrived. She is also the story’s primary obstacle—her voice is so ill-suited to sound films that Kathy has to dub her. Hagen approached the role with such sharp satire that she received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Ironically, it’s Jean Hagen herself who dubs Reynolds in the scene where Reynolds is meant to be dubbing Hagen, creating an elegant meta-commentary on acting, illusion, and artifice.

Together, Reynolds, O’Connor, and Hagen formed a rich harmony for Kelly’s lead. Through humour, contrast, movement, and emotion, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ became more than just a musical. It became a self-reflexive celebration of cinema itself—a glittering tribute to one of Hollywood’s most creative eras. This celebration of cinema's creativity is sure to make any film enthusiast feel proud and appreciative of the art of cinema.

And if anyone wonders how the wedding couple in the picture managed to dance in the middle of the street without music, the answer is simple. They did indeed have music. Among the crowd clapping in rhythm, one person had a good speaker connected via Bluetooth to his phone. That was all it took.