Classical Music with a Twist: Using Timeless Pieces in Unexpected Wedding Moments. Your wedding day is one of the most special and memorable days of your life. From the ceremony to the reception, every moment is carefully planned and orchestrated to create a beautiful and unforgettable experience. One aspect of your wedding that can truly set the tone and create a unique atmosphere is the music you choose to play.
While classical music has long been a staple at weddings, it doesn’t have to be limited to the traditional processional and recessional. In fact, classical music can be used in unexpected and creative ways to add a special touch to your big day. In this blog post, we’ll explore some unique and innovative ways to incorporate classical music into your wedding, from the ceremony to the reception, and everything in between. Get ready to experience classical music with a twist and make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
Prelude Music
Start the celebration off right. The prelude music is the first music your guests will hear as they arrive at your wedding venue. Instead of playing the typical classical pieces, consider selecting lesser-known works by composers such as Debussy or Ravel. These pieces will add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your wedding, while still being unexpected and fresh.
Ceremony Music
Personalize your vows. For many couples, the exchange of vows is the most important part of the ceremony. Consider using a classical piece that is meaningful to you and your partner as the background music for your vows. It could be a piece you both love or one that has a special memory attached to it. The music will add a special touch to the moment and make it even more memorable.
Reception Music
Set the Tone for the Celebration The reception is the time to let loose and celebrate with your loved ones. While you may want to play some contemporary hits to get people dancing, consider mixing in some classical pieces to add variety to the playlist. Pieces like Beethoven’s Ode to Joy or Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers can create a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere that will make your guests feel like they’re part of a fairytale.
Popular wedding songs and how to use them in a new way
Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel
Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major” is perhaps the most well-known classical piece for weddings. Its gentle and romantic melody makes it a perfect choice for the bride’s processional or the recessional.
Traditional performance: For the bride’s processional
NEW option: for the bridesmaids or wedding party processional. This allows for the bride to have an upbeat pop song or special request.
Ave Maria by Franz Schubert.
Schubert’s “Ave Maria” is a beautiful and emotional piece that can create a serene and spiritual atmosphere during the wedding ceremony. It’s often played during the lighting of the unity candle or as a special tribute to the Virgin Mary.
NEW Option: this could be performed during the prelude as guests arrive to set a calm mood.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” is a popular choice for the processional, and it’s easy to see why. Its uplifting and joyful melody is perfect for celebrating the union of two people in love.
NEW Option: this could also be performed during the prelude, or at a faster tempo during the cocktail reception for variety
Air on the G String by Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach’s “Air on the G String” is a soft and gentle piece that can create a romantic and intimate atmosphere during the wedding ceremony. It’s often played during the signing of the register.
NEW Option: this could be performed during the lighting of the unity candle, as it is the perfect speed to walk to.
Choosing the right classical music for your wedding can create a magical and unforgettable experience for you and your guests. These five popular classical wedding songs are sure to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your special day.
What string ensembles do you offer?
The solo violin
The smallest bowed string instrument in the violin family is the violin. It is also the quietest instrument, but that does not mean that it cannot produce a sound. Don’t forget that violin soloists regularly perform with a 50-100 piece orchestra, in a large hall seating 2000 or more people, and the solo violin can be heard over the entire orchestra, and at the very back of the concert hall. How? This comes down to the skill of the violinist, and positioning. This is why at wedding ceremonies for example we often are quite picky about the exact spot where our violinists and ensembles perform, no matter if the string ensemble is outdoors or indoors a single violinist is a great choice.
Duo d’Amore’s solo violinist is a great option for those who want live music but have a smaller budget. The solo violinist performs classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and intimate dinners.
The solo cello
Like the solo violin, a solo cellist is a great option for slightly smaller wedding ceremonies and receptions. Larger than the violin, it is very resonant, and can play an equally wide range of music. Clients that hire the solo cello and solo violin for weddings and events often have a guest list of under 50, but not necessarily so.
The violin and cello duo
The violin and cello duo, or string duet, is made up of one violin player and one cello player, and is our most requested string ensemble for hire. Having both the violin, which is able to play soaring melodies, and the cello which is able to anchor and often accompany, while having an even larger sound it is no wonder that this is our most popular string ensemble. I like to imagine that the violin is like the right hand of the piano and the cello is the left had of the piano, together they can play almost anything, and that is another reason that it is our most popular ensembles.
Duo d’Amore’s violin and cello duo is a popular choice for weddings. The duo consists of a violinist and a cellist who play together, creating a beautiful, harmonious sound. The duo’s repertoire includes classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and dinner parties.
What size of group/event would you recommend for a violin and cello duo string ensemble?
The short answer is we often recommend the violin and cello duo for between 50-150 guests, but when mic’s, we have performed for over 600, so it all depends. The more that we know about the type of event that you are hosting, the easier it is for us to recommend a string ensemble that will sound the best and fit with the wedding or special event that you are planning. Contact us here https://duodamore.com/contact-us/
The String Trio
The string trio is made up of the violin and cello, with the addition of a third filler instrument, such as a violin or viola.
What size of group/event would you recommend for a violin and cello duo string ensemble?
This larger string ensemble is suited for events with over 200 guests, and larger venues in general. With a slightly larger sound than the violin and cello duo, but not as large or rich sound as the string quartet, the string trio fits right in the middle of the string ensembles that we offer in Banff, AB
String quartet wedding ensembles
Our string quartet is the largest wedding ensemble that we have for hire. The string quartet has a long and rich history, dating back to the classical period of music in the 18th century. Additionally, during this time, composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven wrote some of the most famous and enduring string quartet works. In the 19th century, the string quartet continued to be an important genre, with composers such as Schubert and Brahms producing some of their most notable works in this format. Also, during this time, the string quartet also began to be used for more private, intimate occasions such as weddings. For all of these events, timing and tempo are crucial and we would be happy to consult with you on planning any one of these.
What cities and areas do we serve?
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Banff
- Canmore
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Winnipeg
- Toronto/GTA
- Peterborough
- Saskatoon
- Mississauga
- Oakville
- Burlington
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- Niagara
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- Kitchener
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- Vaughan
- Owen Sound
- Collingwood
- Ottawa
- Gatineau
- Wakefield
- Kanata
- North Gower
- Montreal
- Halifax
- Charlottetown
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