Beethoven to Accompany Your Wedding Ceremony
In recognition of Beethoven’s 250th birthday this year, here are some music suggestions to accompany a wedding ceremony.
When it comes to weddings there are some great classical music options. Some are very popular but at risk perhaps of being over used. So what about Beethoven’s Adagio Cantabile which is the second movement from his Piano Sonata No8 “Pathetique”.
This beautiful & calming piece is perfect for the arrival of the immediate family & bridesmaids at a wedding. It is perfect to build the excitement & anticipation for the arrival of bride or groom.
There are many popular classical pieces for the bride’s (or groom’s) arrival at a wedding. Most traditional is Wagner’s Bridal Chorus or Bach’s Trumpet Voluntary. Amongst the most popular choices are Pachelbel’s Canon in D or Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.
My favourite is Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony No6. The 1st movement is luscious, joyous & playful. It builds into a number of exciting crescendos which is perfect for the much anticipated entrance & first look.
At some point in a wedding ceremony you may need a musical interlude. It can either be before or after the vows & exchange of rings, depending on what other elements you decide to have in your ceremony.
It’s an important moment of rest & reflection for the couple. A time to rest physically & emotionally. A time to hold hands & just enjoy the moment.
Traditionally classical choices often include Mendelssohn’s Adagio or Debussy’s Clair de Lune.
A beautiful alternative is Beethoven’s Fur Elise. It is peaceful yet stirring. It was never published during his lifetime & only discovered 40 years after his death.
It is reputed that Beethoven wrote it for the Elisabeth Rockel who was a piano student of his & whom he was deeply in love with. Sadly he later found out she was already engaged to be married.
It is this tale that leads to the belief that he wrote this music for her to learn piano on. It starts simply & easy to play & then, as he discovered his love was thwarted, the piece becomes increasingly challenging for pianists. It might be true, but even if it’s not, the result is a stunning piece of music to sooth a beating heart.
And so the ceremony is over & the happy couple exit. The traditional choice is often Mendelssohn’s Wedding March. Vivaldi’s Four Season - Spring, is also a popular option.
Alternatively, what about Beethoven’s Ode to Joy from his 9th Symphony.
I would recommend a fast & uplifting string version. Choral versions are too heavy.
Don’t play this at your wedding if you have invited Nigel Farage as a guest, because the EU adopted this as their “anthem”. Actually if he is your “annoying uncle you have to invite” maybe you should play it. From the 31st December maybe he’ll be more chilled about it.
Certainly it is a wonderful & happy piece of music which should be enjoyed. Beethoven, who sadly never married, wrote this piece as a “celebration of the brotherhood of man”.