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Wedding Ceremony Classical Music 6 December 2007 Tonya L Thompson
Nothing says elegance and refinement more than a wedding ceremony that takes place amidst the timeless music of Bach and Pachelbel. As a couple plan their perfect day, the music before, during, and after the ceremony often plays the most important role in setting the tone and ambiance they wish to create for their guests. Even in a time when individuality and uniqueness are central to most brides’ wedding plans, Classical music has remained an integral part of many ceremonies. In fact, it has become a standard for even the most modern of ceremonies, with Richard Wagner’s Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin being a predictable prelude to any bride’s grand entrance. Everything from standard Bach Cantatas to the more impassioned works of the Romantics are currently considered acceptable music for one’s wedding day.
If you happen to be in the whirlwind of planning your own nuptials, a quick glance over the traditionally used Classical music for weddings might leave you more confused than when you began. There are more than 40 pieces common to most wedding songbooks, and over 200 that have been considered “perfect” for celebrating the most romantic day of your life. Some possible selections include: Water Music Suites Nos 1-3 for orchestra, HWV 348-350 Hornpipe
Many sites (such as Amazon.com) allow you to listen to CD compilations of favourite wedding pieces, as well as read reviews from other listeners regarding the quality of the recordings. Regardless of how traditional or modern, formal or relaxed your wedding will be, you are sure to find a song that will fit your needs, and create the exact mood you anticipate for your special day. Despite its modern popularity, the custom of playing music during wedding ceremonies in England only dates back approximately 450 years. Before that, wedding music simply was not a part of nuptials; for that matter, neither was merriment of any kind. In 1858, the wedding of Princess Victoria and Prince Frederick William of Prussia became the forerunner to today’s usual ceremony. Felix Mendelssohn’s Wedding March was played during the recessional, and later that night at a State Ball, guests also enjoyed hearing the now-famous Bridal Chorus from Wagner’s Lohengrin. Thus, a tradition was born.
In 1842, Mendelssohn wrote the Wedding March as a musical accompaniment to Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Although this piece had been performed in a wedding ceremony for the first time almost 11 years earlier, it wasn’t until the 1858 wedding of Princess Victoria that it became a wedding ‘tradition’. In this clip, Adam Gyorgy performs at the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest.
Although Mendelssohn and Wagner hold the title of being the first known composers whose works were performed at a notable wedding, George Frideric Handel still holds the record for penning the most admired wedding music. Selections from his Water Music and Messiah have been used for centuries to accompany blushing brides and nervous grooms. In this clip, Sir Colin Davis discusses Handel’s beloved Messiah. Sections of the interview include a performance of The London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
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© Court Lane Music 2007