At times I am asked: “Rudy can you suggests some pieces of classical music for our wedding?” As requested and for your consideration some beautiful classical pieces of music.
1. Prelude
The prelude is the 20-30 minutes – of music played while your guests are gathering/seated for the ceremony. I suggests you choose classical music to create a reverent mood:
Prelude in (J.S. Bach)
Ave Maria (F. Schubert)
Clair de Lune (C. Debussy)
Gymnopedie (A.E.L. Satie)
La primavera and L’inverno from the Four Seasons (A. Vivaldi).
2. Seating of family, special guests (if any) followed by the seating of the parents. Great selections are:
Arioso (J.S. Bach)
Allegro Maestoso from Water Music (G.F. Handel)
Meditation from Tais (J. Massenet)
3. Processional
(Officiant can be up front and/or walk in) Groom, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen, Maid of Honour/Best Man (or you may decide to have Groom/Best-man/Groomsmen up front).
Trumpet Voluntary (J. Clark)
Trumpet Tune (H. Purcell)
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (J.S. Bach)
March from Occasional Oratorio (G.F. Handel)
4. Bride’s Entrance (Dad/Parents)
It’s time for the grand entrance!
Canon in D (J. Pachelbel)
The Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin (R. Wagner)
Allegro Maestoso from Water Music (G.F. Handel)
Rondeau (J.J. Mouret)
5. Special/Interim Music
You could choose music (although not necessary) for special moments in your wedding ceremony
(e.g., the lighting of the unity candle or a sacred solo).
Two exceptional pieces for this are “The Lord’s Prayer” by A. Malotte, or “The Prayer”, as sung by Celine Dion and Andre Bocelli. “O Perfect Love” by J. Barnby is another good choice. If you do decide on this, stick to only one musical arrangement or your ceremony may run too long.
6. Recessional
Consider these pieces of music for a grand exit:
The Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (F. Mendelssohn)
Ode to Joy (L. Beethoven)
Hornpipe (G.F. Handel)
Choosing traditional or classical music doesn’t require you to limit your search to one genre or musical style.
Select music that best reflects the tone and feel of your day.
If don’t consider yourself ‘traditional’ think about hiring classical musicians that play instrumentals of popular songs
Bottom line music is a very personal choice and it should reflect your personality!! In other words if modern is more your style there are lots of choices out there as well.
Have a terrific day/week.
Rudy