WEDDING MUSIC SUGGESTIONS
There are several places where music is
appropriate. The organist will play for about 15 minutes before the service or
as soon as people begin to arrive. If you have any preferences as to what is played
beforehand, please let us know. Here are some suggestions for the rest of the
music:
Entrance of the Bride:
The Bridal March from 'Lohengrin'
by Wagner ("Here comes the Bride") is still the most popular choice,
but other alternatives include 'The Prince of Denmark's March' by Jeremiah
Clarke (sometimes known as the Trumpet Voluntary), Trumpet Tune (Purcell),
Prelude to the Te Deum (Charpentier), Arrival of the
Queen of Sheba (GF Handel), Grand March from Aida (Verdi) and many others. You
may also, as a change, come in to a hymn.
Signing of the Register:
The organ, soloist or quartet can play or sing one or
two pieces during the signing (it takes six or seven minutes) including Ave
Maria (note TWO versions are popular -by Schubert and Bach-Gounod), Panis Angelicus (Franck), Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (JS Bach), Pie Jesu (Fauré – although actually from a Requiem!).
Many other pieces may be suitable - Ave Verum (Mozart
or Elgar), The Lord Bless you and Keep You (Rutter). The organist can play a selection of music such as
parts of the Water Music by Handel. A hymn is also possible, but as you will be
occupied doing the signing, you may prefer not to have one here.
Exit of the Bride and Groom:
The traditional choice, the Wedding March
from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Mendelssohn is still the most requested.
Also very popular (and quite spectacular on our organ) is the Toccata from
'Organ Symphony No5’ by Widor. Handel's Hornpipe from the Water Music is also
popular, as is the Rondeau-Fanfare by Mouret, La Rejouissance from
Handel's Fireworks Music, and again by Handel, the Hornpipe from the Water
Music. There are also Toccatas and other festive pieces which may be suitable -
please ask. In addition, many of the pieces mentioned as entrance pieces would
be equally suitable to go out to. We will try to cater for all requests, but
again, bear in mind the nature of the service to avoid disappointment!
Hymns:
Usually two or three; at
the beginning, one in place of a psalm if you wish, and at the end. At a nuptial mass, there are places such
as the offertory and communion where hymns can be sung. You can choose from so
many hymns but bear in mind the congregation that you will have. Are they
likely to be familiar with sacred music, or a mixture of all creeds and none?
Many hymns will be known to all denominations (especially Anglican) but not
all. The hymn book we use is ‘Laudate’ and some of the most popular
hymns are listed below with their numbers: Praise my Soul the King of Heaven
(807), The Lord's my Shepherd (806 as a psalm, but is associated with
funerals), Love Divine (801), Love is His Word (803), All things Bright and
Beautiful (685), Lord of all hopefulness (969), Give me joy ('sing hosanna' -
722), Lord of the Dance (765), I the Lord of sea and sky (865). In addition,
Other Places:
If you have a choir or soloist, the psalm
and particularly the Gospel acclamation at a nuptial mass may be sung. If you
require specialist settings for the Ordinary of the Mass (Sanctus etc), you
must consult the Director of Music.
Printed order of Service?
If you have one, you should print
composers of organ music and authors of hymn words (although you can just print
hymn numbers if you use the hymn books). You don't need to publish the names of
the musicians! You must check the order with the officiating priest. We also ask that you add a line asking
guests not to use video recorders, digital cameras or mobile phones with video
settings (as this is in breach of copyright and performance regulations). Only an approved videographer may use video equipment in the church subject
to the conditions set out on the reply slip. The use of flash photography is
also not permitted as this is very distracting to the Priest and wedding party.
As a general rule, try to persuade your guests not to take photographs in the
church – leave it to your professional photographer.
This is only a small list of suggestions – please ask for more guidance if you
wish. If you consult other websites for suggestions, be aware that some of the
ideas in them are not suitable for this church.