Packaged complete with a do-it-yourself guide, this CD offers an all-inclusive musical guide to accompany that special day.

A wedding day is filled with moments that become memories. Wedding music gives those memories a melody to play in your heart forever. – Anonymous

Music has always been an integral part of our cultural and social ceremonies, heralding the arrival of heads of state, honouring citizens who have served their country and comforting those in sorrow. Weddings offer a joyous opportunity to celebrate with music, and the memories of such music can last a lifetime, along with remembrances of flickering candles, or sunlight streaming through stained glass windows, or the scent of flowers. All contribute to the spirit of the event.

No matter what the location of the ceremony – a tiny chapel in the woods, a spacious cathedral in a major city, a white tent on a beautiful expanse of green lawn – music adds a distinctive touch to the special day. Brass music has long been associated with weddings, as its emotional power speaks to something deep within us all.

Most wedding ceremonies offer a variety of opportunities for musical performance, each with its own mood. While guests are assembling before the service quiet prelude music establishes the mood of anticipation. Such music may include the beautiful and tranquil “Canon” (Pachelbel), ”Prayer” from Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck), “Largo” from Xerxes (Handel), “Air” from Water Music (Handel), and “Air on the G String” from Suite No. 3 (Bach). All are wonderful choices to establish a feeling of harmony and serenity.

Many weddings feature three processionals, the first of which can be for the mothers of the bride and groom. Light and airy music is best for this. “Canon” and “Air” (if not already performed in the prelude) are the most frequently requested pieces of music.

Beginning with the bridal party the musical tone begins to shift, setting a grander mood. Purcell’s “Trumpet Tune,” Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary,” and Stanley’s “Trumpet Voluntary” are perennial favourites.

Finally the big moment arrives, and to announce the entrance of the bride nothing can be more magnificent than the famous “Albason Fanfare”. Many brides then walk to the altar to the sounds of Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary” or Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus”. Pieces by Purcell and Stanley are often used too, with a few brides preferring the equally appropriate, “Orfeo Fanfare” (Monteverdi).

Soon enough the ceremony will draw to an end, leaving just one last magnificent opportunity for music to swell our hearts. Stirring recessional music (Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March”, Mouret’s “Rondo,” and the “Orfeo Fanfare”) proclaims the excitement that the newly-weds feel as they walk down the aisle, taking their first steps in their new lives together.

Notes by:
Ryan Anthony & Rosemarie Stover