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Thread: Wedding music

  1. #1

    Default Wedding music

    My sister in law asked me to play at her wedding and I responded affirmatively with an enthusiasm that might have implied I'm a little (way) better than I actually am.

    Any suggestions for pieces to learn? I have until October.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Wedding music

    PS I also play flute and viola and for some reason there's an alto recorder in my box of music stuff. And maybe a penny whistle coming in the mail (I'm addicted). And I'm rusty at all of it.

  3. #3
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    Will you be singing? I'm partial to Bob Dylan's Wedding Song
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    Registered User Kevin Stueve's Avatar
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    Jesu Joy of Man's desiring? In fact the version I have is indistinguishable from the flute score to a piano and flute arrangement.
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  5. #5
    Registered User Kevin Stueve's Avatar
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    And what wedding would be complete without Pachabel . https://www.hangoutstorage.com/mando...8221192017.pdf
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  6. #6
    Registered User foldedpath's Avatar
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    Are you playing background music for the reception, or for the ceremony itself? I was in a wedding-focused duo for a while with a guitar player, and we did both.

    Background music was a selection of Irish trad tunes, which goes down well with many weddings because it's light music, not a stiffly formal as Classical but still sounds classy. Playing for the reception is an easy gig because it's just background music. People appreciate that you're there, but they're not really listening closely.

    For the ceremony, an-often requested standard for the processional to the altar is the Taco Bell... er, I mean the Pachelbel Canon in D. Which I will be happy never to hear again in my life, but people like it. You only have to learn the part people recognize, not the whole thing, and it sits well on mandolin. We used to suggest the Irish jig "Banish Misfortune" for the recessional; a lively tune and the name helps sell it.

    Depending on where it's being held, you may need amplification. Outdoors can work okay acoustically if you're just doing reception music, but you might want amplification outdoors if you're doing the ceremony.

  7. #7
    Registered User Randi Gormley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    My-husband-the-guitar-player and I played as a duo for my nephew's wedding -- trad Irish for the time between when people started arriving and the service, then we played -- as a request from the bridge -- Into the West from the Lord of the Rings for the processional, and Maury's Wedding for a recessional. It was an outdoor wedding (in October) in the formal garden at a fancy estate. They had a DJ for the party afterward. Seemed to go over well.
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  8. #8

    Default Re: Wedding music

    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Gunter View Post
    Will you be singing? I'm partial to Bob Dylan's Wedding Song
    Well.... that's like... another level of miscommunication I hadn't even considered. Thanks for asking - because I should probably make it clear to her that I cannot sing.

    Good song though - Maybe I should see if any of my singing friends is interested and I can pay a singer as part of her gift.

  9. #9

    Default Re: Wedding music

    I'm not sure exactly what she wants - I was assuming pre-ceremony but she has barely even announced the engagement so maybe even she doesn't know.

    I used to play in string quartets before weddings so I'm down with the suggestions that have come in so far. I probably even have "3rd violin" parts to Canon in D somewhere from which I can reconstruct the whole thing.

  10. #10

    Default Re: Wedding music

    Quote Originally Posted by foldedpath View Post
    Are you playing background music for the reception, or for the ceremony itself? I was in a wedding-focused duo for a while with a guitar player, and we did both.

    Background music was a selection of Irish trad tunes, which goes down well with many weddings because it's light music, not a stiffly formal as Classical but still sounds classy. Playing for the reception is an easy gig because it's just background music. People appreciate that you're there, but they're not really listening closely.

    For the ceremony, an-often requested standard for the processional to the altar is the Taco Bell... er, I mean the Pachelbel Canon in D. Which I will be happy never to hear again in my life, but people like it. You only have to learn the part people recognize, not the whole thing, and it sits well on mandolin. We used to suggest the Irish jig "Banish Misfortune" for the recessional; a lively tune and the name helps sell it.

    Depending on where it's being held, you may need amplification. Outdoors can work okay acoustically if you're just doing reception music, but you might want amplification outdoors if you're doing the ceremony.
    I do know she said food trucks, non-formal attire, kids... and my in-laws are Irish so some ITM would probably be welcome

  11. #11
    Registered User Louise NM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    Quote Originally Posted by Heady View Post
    I do know she said food trucks, non-formal attire, kids... and my in-laws are Irish so some ITM would probably be welcome
    Sounds like it will be a truly fun wedding!

    Some of the pieces from Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks or Water Music would be worth a look and listen..

  12. #12
    Registered User Mike Buesseler's Avatar
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    Some O’Carolan tunes would work. Most are easy to play, too.

  13. #13
    Fingers of Concrete ccravens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Buesseler View Post
    Some O’Carolan tunes would work. Most are easy to play, too.
    I second this.
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  14. #14
    Registered User Steve Lavelle's Avatar
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    David Grisman's "Newly Wedding"
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  15. #15
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    Default Re: Wedding music

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Stueve View Post
    And what wedding would be complete without Pachabel . https://www.hangoutstorage.com/mando...8221192017.pdf
    It starts normally, the ending is weak (I think), but there's a whole lot of fun in between:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV5_xj_yuhs

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