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Wedding ceremony recommendations?

Bluedroog

pfm Member
I'm getting married soon and would welcome your suggestions for some appropriate classical music for the entrance of the Bride (although we may walk in together, in a break with tradition) and for the exit.

I am a classical fan but not the most clued up where it comes to what is what, I tend more to stick Radio 3 on or listen to compilations. I like Brahms and Prokofiev but not sure if that is really appropriate in terms of tone, tempo and mood. Particularly as we used Brahms at my father's funeral.

I want something really elegant, certainly not 'hear comes the Bride' I'm thinking perhaps something leaning towards Baroque and then something with a similar elegance but bit more tempo (albeit subtle) for the exit. I think more minimalist.

As I said I don't have a great knowledge but do have a good appreciation for classical music so by all means don't feel constrained in your suggestions by what I've mentioned.

If it makes a difference the venue is fairly small and a registry office, a nice one but not a cathedral which needs anything epic by any means.

Many thanks in advance.
 
For the arrival I'd possibly be looking at an Adagio from an Albinoni oboe concerto. For the departure I'd suggest Zadok the Priest by Handel, though it's probably too well associated with champions' league football these days.
 
I'd be more inclined to have something playing that means something to you both, rather then what you feel seems appropriate.
Hope you have a fantastic day.
 
For the arrival I'd possibly be looking at an Adagio from an Albinoni oboe concerto. For the departure I'd suggest Zadok the Priest by Handel, though it's probably too well associated with champions' league football these days.


Thanks, I'll definitely check that first one out. The champions league music, as I know it may be a little dramatic, I'll day dream of glorious CL nights rather than focus on my new wife and she'll subconsciously associate it with me swearing! :p
 
I'd be more inclined to have something playing that means something to you both, rather then what you feel seems appropriate.
Hope you have a fantastic day.

I know what you mean but really we are polar when it comes to music and certainly don't have 'a song' or anything like that, she is originally from Brazil and likes a particular type I can't stand and I'm not sure she'd approve of The Clash's White Riot or Major Lazer!

I'd (we'd, well she's left it to me) like something subtle, on fairly quiet just for some added atmosphere.

Got so much to think about, i've retreated to the loo for a break from the hand crafted cards!
 
I know what you mean but really we are polar when it comes to music and certainly don't have 'a song' or anything like that, she is originally from Brazil and likes a particular type I can't stand and I'm not sure she'd approve of The Clash's White Riot or Major Lazer!

I'd (we'd, well she's left it to me) like something subtle, on fairly quiet just for some added atmosphere.

Got so much to think about, i've retreated to the loo for a break from the hand crafted cards!

I think Villa Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras no 5 could work very well.

On a different note Caetano's Sozinho is a beautiful song, has great lyrics and the Bride should love it. It's not classical of course.

Most importantly, as the Italians say:

Auguri!!!!
 
We had the opening part of Brahm's Haydn Variations for the entry of the bride:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su2IJxilvjA

and the opening fanfare from Charpentier's Te Deum ("the Eurovision tune") for the end (from 1:34 here):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTtFcJE7Jfk

I would have loved those thundering timpani!

The traditional Wedding March from Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream is hackneyed, but it is a wonderful bit of music (from 40:32 here):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqOY-02XAFk
 
not classical I know....but

choose something meaningful - we had a registry office. We walked in together to:

"Masked Ball" by Jocelyn Pook from Eyes Wide Shut https://youtu.be/KmBPweJCMXU
which created a bit of a stir, it pleased us no end that the registrar recognised it and approved of our choice.

whilst we signed the register etc we played "Drifting Away" by Faithless https://youtu.be/vdFgYwRsdS4

and then we walked out to

Epoca by Gotan Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc7Lt5FLRiA
 
not classical I know....but

choose something meaningful - we had a registry office. We walked in together to:

"Masked Ball" by Jocelyn Pook from Eyes Wide Shut https://youtu.be/KmBPweJCMXU
which created a bit of a stir, it pleased us no end that the registrar recognised it and approved of our choice.

whilst we signed the register etc we played "Drifting Away" by Faithless https://youtu.be/vdFgYwRsdS4

and then we walked out to

Epoca by Gotan Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc7Lt5FLRiA

All somewhat left field choices. Tasteful too!
 
Congratulations!

3 possibilities:
1) go Traditional: Mendelssohn's Wedding March, Purcell's trumpet Voluntary, King Vidor's toccata (if the organist is up to it), etc.
2) ask the organist what he/she recommends
3) pick some music of your own, either music that means something to you both or music that you just like.

1 is usually safe and predictable, just like the words of the ceremony.
2 has the advantage that the organist will usually pick something he/she can actually play. We ignored this rule at our wedding and the results were hilariously bad (although we're still married).
3 means you can't get any help on a forum. If you like baroque, pick something that you both like and doesn't need a full chamber orchestra to sound good (assuming there is just an organ available, Bach or Handel keyboard works would be a reasonable starting point).

BTW, Zadok the Priest is a coronation anthem so probably best avoided in these circumstances. Mind you the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Salomon could be an idea for the arrival of the bride. Nice zippy piece of music, too. Just check the organist etc. (see 2).

I wish you a memorable day and much happiness.
 


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