Suggestions for Wedding Music

[The_Curt_Jester]

“Sunrise, Sunset” is something that would not be allowable. Even though it is before the wedding, it is still secular music and such should not be performed in church. I would avoid the Mass of Creation Sanctus because it is not in line with the official text that the Church gives us. The same holds true for the Agnus Dei.

Seconded!

Hey, if postludes are as needed, do you have Psalm XIX by Benedetto Marcello? That’s the one the bride requested at the last wedding I did. It was nice to have something different for a change!

 

[Sarabande]

Seconded!

Hey, if postludes are as needed, do you have Psalm XIX by Benedetto Marcello? That’s the one the bride requested at the last wedding I did. It was nice to have something different for a change!

Agree with Bgal and Curt Jester. “Sunrise, Sunset” really shouldn’t be used and you might want to bring that up with the bride and the pastor. I would suggest other sacred/religious vocal pieces or just play straight, absolute music with no secular connection/connotation to a show, musical, opera, ballet, etc.

But if the pastor won’t veto it, it is true you really can’t do much more about it. I’ve had to sing for Catholic weddings that had similar no-no’s … one example, John Lennon’s “Grow Old With Me” - fortunately I didn’t have to sing it because the music director/pianist was totally itching to have a solo to sing, really wanted to sing it and basically forced the bridal couple to include it in the wedding. They actually didn’t want it. I happily told her she sing it… unfortunately the pastor didn’t mind or care and I had no say.

 

[ProVobis]

Ah, okay.

Yeah, I think I’ll pull the Canon in D from the list of suggested pieces now.

Actually it’s one of the ideal pieces as it allows many variations. The same eight chords are repeated throughout and one can even improvise a lot using the same repeated eight chords.

 

[The_Curt_Jester]

Actually it’s one of the ideal pieces as it allows many variations. The same eight chords are repeated throughout and one can even improvise a lot using the same repeated eight chords.

The reason I would pull it is not because it’s not a good piece, but because nobody needs to be reminded of it. If they want it, they’ll ask for it. The goal of my list is to provide other options that may not be as well-known. I think everyone knows the Bridal Chorus, Canon in D, and Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, so there’s no need for reminders (as people have proven) on those.

 

[ProVobis]

The reason I would pull it is not because it’s not a good piece, but because nobody needs to be reminded of it. If they want it, they’ll ask for it. The goal of my list is to provide other options that may not be as well-known. I think everyone knows the Bridal Chorus, Canon in D, and Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, so there’s no need for reminders (as people have proven) on those.

Whatever happened to Trumpet Voluntaries by Clark, Purcell, and Stanley? Or Mouret’s Rondeau. (All in D, if I remember) Perhaps something from Handel’s Water Music?

 

[The_Curt_Jester]

Whatever happened to Trumpet Voluntaries by Clark, Purcell, and Stanley? Or Mouret’s Rondeau. (All in D, if I remember)

They’re still around. Funny thing is the last couple didn’t even know anything but Canon in D (besides the typical wedding marches) and I let them hear samples of all those you mentioned, plus more. So, Canon in D it was.

 

[Sarabande]

They’re still around. Funny thing is the last couple didn’t even know anything but Canon in D (besides the typical wedding marches) and I let them hear samples of all those you mentioned, plus more. So, Canon in D it was.

Yes, I think Canon in D is the most well-known piece amongst couples I work with. Some know the marches, but not as much as the Pachelbel. They almost all know the Schubert “Ave Maria”, as well, and I get requests for it from Protestants and Catholics. Most don’t realize that there are many settings of it and will give them two or three other options. Most will still want the Schubert, although some will change their minds and go for something different.

Clarke Trumpet Voluntary is still popular, though, and if the organist does play other marches, they will request them. They seem to especially like the Charpentier as well. Funny thing is that a few of the last couples didn’t want the Mouret once they heard it because they thought of "Masterpiece Theater"even though they liked it. Funny how a piece can become associated with something.

Most don’t think that of the Wagner because most don’t realize it’s from an opera, although once I tell them the background story of Lohengrin, many will change their minds on it.

 

[KathTromp18]

How about Veni Creator Spiritus as the processional? If the wedding procession is long, it should be enough to cover it and it would be a wonderful piece. The recessional would then either be the Regina Caeli (since we are still in the Easter Season) or Sing with all the Saints in Glory.

Don’t do “Sing with all the Saints in Glory” unless you use a better hymn tune than Beethoven’s insipid “Hymn to Joy”… Ears everywhere will thank you.

 

[MissRose73]

I would use “Joyful joyful we adore thee” (recessional) and “Ave Maria” during the ceremony if I was to ever get married as 2 musical pieces.

 

[mcmitton]

Dear Friends,

The rehearsal resulted in shuffling several pieces, and a change too! Clarke “Trumpet Voluntary” will be the recessional. If my dear hubby is able, he’ll be playing his great Highland bagpipes outside, beginning when the newly weds exit the church until they and the families and wedding party walk to the other end of the church and go back inside. It is expected to 95+ degrees!

Fr. had no objection to “Sunrise, Sunset” to be sung at the beginning of prelude music, which surprised me. “Ave Maria” is moved to late in the service when flowers are placed at the feet of our Holy Mother’s statue. My hands and fingers ache, and I’m sleepy.

Thank you all for your (name removed by moderator)ut, and helping me steer the bride as well as I could.

Mary Carolyn