Wedding Music Collections A-F
And Now Presenting, EMI-Capitol, p2002 : 72435-38425-2-9
Here's a great collection of modern vocals for either the ceremony or the reception. What I found interesting about this one was the mixture of popular, soul, rock, country and contemporary Christian. This album has it all.
When a man loves a woman (Percy Sledge); Let's stay together (Al Green); Let's get it on (Marvin Gaye); You are my lady (Freddie Jackson); Love of my life (BeBe & CeCe Winans); Can't help falling in love (Corey Hart); Beautiful in my eyes (Joshua Kadison); Your love amazes me (John Berry); I will always love you (Dolly Parton); Baby, I love your way (Peter Frampton); I will be here (Steven Curtis Chapman); Tonight, I celebrate my love (Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack).
The Ave Maria Album, BMG, p1998 : 09026-63260-2
This album must have every version and variation of Ave Maria out there. Performed by sopranos, tenors and choirs and backed by solo instruments, brass quintets and orchestras, it covers a wide spectrum of styles. Anyone looking for just the right performance for a wedding is bound to find it here.
Ave Maria / Schubert (Leontyne Price); Ave Maria / Bach-Gounod (Placido Domingo); Ave Maria / Verdi (Carol Vaness); Ave Mario / Schubert (Mario Lanza); Ave Maria / Bach-Gounod (Rosa Ponselle); Ave Maria / Mascagni (John McCormack); Ave Maria / Bach-Gounod (Leontyne Price); Ave Maria / Schubert (Placido Domingo); Ave Maria / Percy B. Kahn (Enrico Caruso); Ave Maria / Bach-Gounod (Jeanette MacDonald); Ave Maria / Schubert (Jerry Hadley); Ave Maria / Verdi (Leontyne Price); Ave Maria / Bach-Gounod (John McCormack); Ave Maria / Schubert (Marian Anderson); Ave Maria / (Mario Lanza); Ave Maria / Verdi (Katia Ricciarelli).
Azzolina, Mark. A bride's book. Intersound, p1997 : CDS 564
From Mark Azzolina and the Florida Symphonic Pops, the kings of the wedding collection CD, this disc provides suggestions for both traditional and contemporary weddings as well as wedding planning tips.
Traditional wedding: Trumpet voluntary (Purcell); Riguadon (Campra); Ave Maria (Schubert); Le rondeau (Masterpiece Theatre theme) (Mouret); Bridal chorus from Lohengrin (Wagner); The Lord's prayer (Malotte); Now thank we all our God (Bach); Contemporary wedding: Wind beneath my wings; And I love her; One hand, one heart; Bridal chorus from Lohengrin (Wagner); The wedding song; Endless love; Evergreen; Wedding march from A midsummer night's dream (Mendelssohn).
Azzolina, Mark. Wedding day. Intersound, p1997 : CDD 569
This album is nearly identical to A bride's book, but with a few additional contemporary suggestions. Once again, Mark is joined by the Florida Symphonic Pops, this time with Lyn Larsen on the organ.
Traditional wedding: Riguadon (Campra); Trumpet voluntary (Purcell); Bridal chorus from Lohengrin (Wagner); I love thee (Grieg); Le rondeau (Masterpiece Theatre theme) (Mouret); Erotik (Grieg); Jesu, joy of man's desiring (J.S. Bach); Lord's prayer (Malotte); Trumpet tune (Stanley); Now thank we all our God (J.S. Bach); Wedding march (Mendelssohn). Contemporary wedding: Bridal chorus (Wagner); We've only just begun; The wedding song; One hand, one heart; Evergreen; Endless love; Wind beneath my wings; Wedding march (Mendelssohn).
Baroque for brides to be: a musical bouquet. PolyGram, p1997 : 456 355-2.
This collection from PolyGram's vast collection of classical music is filled with classic performances of wedding favorites with a few nice surprises. Both vocal and instrumental.
Pre-wedding, Signing of the registry and General music: Jesu, joy of man's desiring (J.S. Bach); Concerto in D minor: Siciliano (J.S. Bach); Water music suite no. 1 in F: Air (Handel); Oboe concerto suite no. 3 in D: Air (Marcello); Orchestral suite no. 3 in D: Air (J.S. Bach); Prelude to the ceremony: Ombra mai fu from Xerxes (Handel); Caro mio ben (Giordani); Bist du bei mir (J.S. Bach); Such uben im Lieben (Wedding cantata) (J.S. Bach); Let the bright seraphim (Handel). Processional: Trumpet voluntary (J. Clarke); Canon in D (Pachelbel); Where'er you walk (Handel). Recessional: The arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel); Water music: Alla hornpipe (Handel); Cantata no. 29 (J.S. Bach); Rondeau (Masterpiece Theatre theme) (Mouret); Cantata no. 51: Alleluia (J.S. Bach); Bridal chorus (Wagner); Wedding march (Mendelssohn).
Best Traditional Wedding Songs, St. Clair, p2001 : NOV10512
Nothing new here, but a decent collection of classical music for a traditional ceremony.
The wedding march (Here comes the bride) (Wagner); Humoresque; Chopin's etude op. 10; Largo from Handel's Xerxes; Salut d'amour; Liebestraum (Love song no. 3); The wedding march (Mendelssohn); Meditation from Thais; Liebesfreud; Melody in F; Elegie; Poeme; Ave Maria; Bridal chorus from Lohengrin (Here comes the bride) (Wagner).
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, Angel, p1999 : CDM 0777 7 64899 2 6
This is a great album for a classical program. It contains the expected processionals and recessionals, but also a nice arrangement of Vaughan Williams' "The Call" which is very different. Good performances.
Prelude: Courante from Three lute dances; Adagio from Sonata in E-flat; Allegro from Brandenburg Concerto no. 4 in G; Air from Water music (suite no. 1); Processional: Trumpet voluntary; Prelude to Te Deum; Canon in D; Trumpet tune; Wedding march from Lohengrin; Ceremony: Jesu, joy of man's desiring; Allegro from Spring; Ave Maria; The call; Sheep may safely graze; Recessional: Wedding march from A midsummer night's dream; Arrival of the Queen of Sheba; First movement from Brandenburg concerto no. 1 in F; Toccata fro Organ symphony no. 5.
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, Volume II, Angel, p1998 : 7243 5 66817 2 9
This album would be a good choice if classical music is to be the program. It breaks the ceremony down into its components and gives suggestions for each part such as preludes, processional, ceremony and recessional. It also gives information on processional and recessional line-ups for both Christian and Jewish traditional ceremonies.
Pastoral symphony from The messiah / Handel; Love's old sweet song / Molloy; In dulci jubilo / Praetorius; A dream; Grieg; Trumpet voluntary / Clarke; Bridal chorus from Lohengrin / Wagner; St. Anthony's chorale / Brahms; Sleepers awake! / J. S. Bach; Largo from Guitar concerto in D / Vivaldi; What God hath done is rightly done / J. S. Bach; Tempo di minuetto / Handel; See what his love can do / J. S. Bach; Air on the G string / J. S. Bach; Ave verum corpus / J. S. Bach; Largo / Handel; Siliciana / Resphigi; Andante/Allegro / Handel; Allegro / Vivaldi; Rondeau / Mouret; Praise be to God / J. S. Bach; Alla hornpipe / Handel.
Classic Wedding Album Deutsche Grammophon, p1999 : 289 445 478-2
This disc offers classical and popular music suggestions for different parts of the wedding including general music, the prelude, the processional, the cermony and the recessional.
Pre-wedding general music: Sheep may safely grace (J.S. Bach); Oboe concerto in D minor (J.S. Bach); Largo from Xerxes (Handel); Orchestral suite no. 3 in D (J.S. Bach). Prelude to the Ceremony: Toccata (Monteverdi); And I love her (Lennon/McCartney); Alleluia (Mozart); Processional: Suite no. 1 - Rondeau (Masterpiece Theatre theme) (Mouret); Trumpet voluntary (Clarke); Canon in D (Pachelbel); Jesu, joy of man's desiring (J.S. Bach); Bridal chorus (Wagner). The Ceremony: Ave Maria (J.S. Bach); Let the bright seraphim (Handel); Ave Maria (Schubert); Be my love (Cahn); If ever I would leave you (Lerner and Lowe); One hand, one heart (Bernstein). Recessional: Water music suite - Hornpipe (Handel); Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel); Wedding march (Mendelssohn); Toccata (Widor).
Classical wedding. Spring Hill, p1996 : CMD5353.
This classical disc has a "smaller" sound, using a chamber group with trumpet. More intimate than the "larger" orchestra or organ works.
Hornpipe from the Water music (Handel); Ode to joy (Beethoven); Psalm XIX (Marcello); Jesu, joy of man's desiring (J.S. Bach); Trumpet tune (Purcell); Arioso in A (Bach); Le rejoissance from Royal fireworks (Handel); Ave Maria (Schubert); Trumpet voluntary (J. Clarke); Canon in D (Pachelbel); Air from Water music (Handel); Rondeau from Sinfonies de Fanfares (Mouret); The Lord's prayer (Mallotte); Bridal chorus (Wagner); Fanfare and bridal chorus (Wagner); Wedding march (Mendelssohn).
Classical Wedding: Volume Two, Spring Hill, p1998 : CMD5448
This collection played by a brass quintet made up of trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba, includes the usual wedding favorites and a few more such as Mozart's clarinet concerto and the Grand March from Aida. Interesting and very festive.
Rondeau / Mouret; Jesu, joy of man's desiring / J. S. Bach; Hornpipe from Water music / Handel; Suite, gaillarde, courante, aria, passepied / Praetorius; Trumpet tune / Stanley; Trumpet sonata: Moderato, adagio, allegro / Purcell; Adagio from Clarinet concerto / Mozart; Grand march from Aida / Verdi; Little ronde / Susato; Simple gifts; Aria duetto from Cantata 78 / J. S. Bach; Pilgrim's chorus / Wagner; Rigeudon / Campra; Bridal chorus / Wagner; Trumpet tune / Purcell; Trumpet voluntary / Purcell; Wedding march / Mendelssohn; Canzona per sonare no. 2 / Gabrieli.
Closer Than a Kiss: Crooner Classics, Rhino, p1997 : R2 72515
Want soft and sentimental? This is the album. It features crooners of the last 40 years and would be a great for a special anniversary as it would be for a wedding reception. Try one of these for the mother's or father's dance.
Night and day (Frank Sinatra); My shining hour (Mel Torme); Speak low (Sammy Davis Jr.); My one and only love (John Coltrane); My funny valentine (Chet Baker); You'd better love me (Jack Jones); Sleepin' bee (Bill Henderson); My love song to you (Bob Manning); That's all (Billy Eckstine); Around the world (Bing Crosby); Detour ahead (Jackie Paris); As time goes by (Herb Jeffries); I'll be around (Al Hibbler); The way you look tonight (Dick Haymes); Our day will come (Jimmy Scott); Closer than a kiss (Vic Damone).
The Complete Wedding Album: There is Love. Telarc, p1998 : CD-80490
I highly recommend this disc! Not only is it from Telarc and of a quality that one can expect from them, but it spends time in the liner notes discussing what type of music works best for different types of ceremonies. Most of the selections are standard classical wedding pieces, but there are also several popular and ethnic offerings. Each selection, and there are s few repeats, is listed with the type of instrument or ensemble on which it is played. So, if you're looking for a guitar arrangement of the Bridal Chorus, this is the one for you!
Rigaudon (Campra); Sinfonia from Cantata no. 29 (J.S. Bach); Toccata from Symphony no. 5 (Widor); Wedding march (Mendelssohn); Prince of Denmark's march (Clarke); Trumpet tune in D major (Purcell); Te Deum (Charpentier); Ave Maria (Schubert); Canon in D (Pachelbel); Jesu, joy of man's desiring (J.S. Bach); Prelude no. 1 in C major (J.S. Bach); Entrance of the Queen of Sheba (Handel); Air from Water music (Handel); Hornpipe from Water music (Handel); Rondeau (Mouret); Through the eyes of love (Theme from Ice Castles); Unchained melody; Love theme from Romeo and Juliet; The wedding song (Stookey); Dodi li; Rondeau (Mouret); Sheep may safely graze (J.S. Bach); Ave Maria (J.S. Bach); Gymnopedie no. 1 (Satie); Clair de lune (Debussy); Moonlight sonata (Beethoven); Largo from Cantata no. 5 in F minor (J.S. Bach); Largo from Concerto for guitar (Vivaldi); Largo from Xerxes (Handel); Spring (Vivaldi); Adagio in G minor for strings (Albinoni); Fantasia on Greensleeves (Vaughan Williams); Adagio for strings (Barber); Treulich gefuart (Wagner); Wedding march (Mendelssohn).
Chip Davis. Holiday Musik American Gramaphone, p1996 : AG 296-2
OK, it's a Christmas album, but this one has some real gems for pre-wedding music or background music such as a couple of selections from Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances. Chip Davis is the guy from Mannheim Steamroller, so you know this one will be good.
Fanfare (Reiche); Sonata in F major (Scarlatti); Gagliarda (Schein); Allegro opus 12, no. 3 (Vivaldi); Allegro assai, Brandenburg conerto no. 2 (J.S. Bach); La mourisque (Susato); Allegro concerto grosso (Handel); Sonata C major (Scarlatti); Adagio B minor (Handel); Italiana Ancient airs and dances (Respighi); Allegro autumn (Vivaldi); Galliard and dance (Holborne); Allegro Brandenburg concerto no. 5 (J.S. Bach); Allegro recorder concerto (Handel); Affettoso Brandenburg concerto no. 5 (J.S. Bach); Siciliana Ancient airs and dances (Respighi); Gigue (Fux); Allegro Brandenburg concerto no. 5 (J.S. Bach); Vivace double harpsichord concerto (J.S. Bach).
Country Wedding Songs, Direct Source, p2003 : WD 25862
This collection of country classics by some of the greats might be better suited to an anniversary than a wedding (Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden??!!") but still has some interesting selections such as Roy Clark's "Come Live with Me" and Willie Nelson's "Shelter of my Arms."
Alone with you (Faron Young); Come live with me (Roy Clark); I love you honey (Patsy Cline), Shelter of my arms (Willie Nelson); You're my man (Billie Jo Spears); Soul song (Joe Stampley); Rose garden (Lynn Anderson); That's how I got to Memphis (Bobby Bare); Love's gonna live here (Waylon Jennings); Heart of Dixie (Tommy Overstreet).
Enslin, Nancy. The Jewish Wedding Album, Intersound Inc., p1994 : CDD 3478
I love this album! And not just for Jewish couples, although there's lots for them too. It's a blend of classical, Jewish folk and secular songs, and pop tunes all played harp with occasional help from soprano Deborah Benardot. The album is broken down into pre-wedding music, processional, recessional, and suggestions for both popular and classical music for the ceremony.
Pre-Nuptual Concert: Ana dodi; Ani L'dodi; Erev Shel Shoshanim; Jerusalem of gold; Shalom Rav; Laila, laila; Bashana haba-A. Classical: Canon in D (Pachelbel); On wings of song (Mendelssohn); Menuet (Mozart). Popular: Sunrise, sunset; Love theme from Romeo and Juliet (A time for us); The wind beneath my wings; I will always love you (from The Bodyguard); Unchained melody; Endless love; Somewhere in time. Processional: Erev ba; Dodi Li; Hymne (Vangelis); Trumpet voluntary (Purcell). Recessional: Simon Tov; Od Yishama; Trumpet tune (Purcell).
Enslin, Nancy. O perfect love and other wedding songs. Intersound Inc., p1994 : CDD 3477
This album combines concert harp, flute and vocals for a very balanced program of light music. It also offers suggestions for various parts of the ceremony including prelude, seating of the mothers, prayers and the lighting of the unity candle.
Prelude: Classical music: Canon in D (Pachelbel); Jesu, joy of man's desiring (Bach); On wings of song (Mendelssohn); Menuet (Mozart); Hymn medley: Morning has broken; Amazing grace; How great thou art. Popular music: Theme from "Ice Castles" (Through the eyes of love); Love theme from "Romeo and Juliet" (A time for us); The wind beneath my wings; Unchained melody; Somewhere in time; I will always love you; Endless love. Seating of the mothers: Ave Maria (Schubert); Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod); Sheep may safely graze; O sanctissima. Processional: Hymne (Vangelis); Trumpet voluntary (Purcell); Bridal march from Lohengrin (Wagner). Lighting of the unity candle: Whither thou goest; One hand, one heart; O perfect love. Prayer: The Lord's prayer. Recessional: Ode to joy (Beethoven); Trumpet tune (Purcell).
15 Popular Wedding Favorites, Word, p1996 : 7019812597
This disc gives a selection of contemporary, vocal music performed by studio musicians, rather than the original artists. They're sometimes a little bland, but for the couple who would like nice, quiet arrangements of popular wedding songs, this would be a good choice.
Always; Beautiful in my eyes; Endless love; From a distance; Here and now; Love will keep us alive; Once in a lifetime; Save the best for last; Somewhere out there; Through the eyes of love; Unforgettable; We've only just begun; Wind beneath my wigs; You light up my life; You needed me.
15 Traditional Wedding Favorites, Word, p1996 : 7019813593
From the same series as the 15 Popular Wedding Favorites, this disc offers a more traditional program including some favorites from Grandma's day. Again, these are vocal selections performed by studio musicians. It is really designed to help couples choose their music, but would be perfectly suitable for taped use.
Ave Maria; Because; Can't help falling in love; I love you truly; Jesu, joy of man's desiring; The Lord's prayer; Morning has broken; O perfect love; One hand, one heart; Somewhere; Sunrise, sunset; Wedding song (There is love); When I fall in love; Whither thou goest.
For Your Wedding. Universal Classics Group, p2003 : B0000033-12
This collection of classical wedding music is from Universal, which is cleaning up with its shovel-ware, low-budget classical albums. That said, it includes some beautiful versions of the standard classical wedding fare by big name stars. Good stuff for a tight budget.
Air on a G string / J.S. Bach; Jesu, joy of man's desiring / J.S. Bach; Canon in D / Pachelbel; Trumpet voluntary / Clarke; Bridal chorus from Lohengrin / Wagner; Trumpet tune and air / Purcell; Allegro from Suite / Stanley; Prelude from Te Deum / Charpentier; Allegro from Sonata / Stanley; Rondeau (Masterpiece Theatre Theme) / Mouret; Ave Maria / Bach/Gounod; Sleepers awake / J.S. Bach; Sheep may safely graze / J.S. Bach; Ave Maria, D 839 / Schubert; Wedding march from A Midsummer Night's Dream / Mendelssohn; Hornpipe in D from Water Music / Handel; La rejouissance from Music for the Royal Fireworks / Handel; Wedding day at Troldhaugen / Grieg.
Forever Yours. Platinum Entertainment, Inc., p1999 : 15095-5320-2
This two-disc set has it all: one disc of classical and another of popular selections. Most are pertty standard, but there are a couple of interesting popular titles.
Traditional: Air for the G string (J.S. Bach); Jesu, joy of man's desiring (J.S. Bach); On wings of song (Mendelssohn); Arioso (J.S. Bach); Prelude in C major (J.S. Bach); Largo from Xerxes (Handel); Ave Maria (Schubert); Ave Maria (J.S. Bach); Sheep may safely graze (J.S. Bach); Bridal march from Lohengrin (Wagner); Canon in D major (Pachelbel); Trumpet voluntary (Clarke); Trumpet tune in C major (Purcell); O perfect love (Bamby); The Lord's prayer (Malotte); Wedding march from A midsummer night's dream (Mendelssohn); Finale (Ode to joy) from Symphony no. 9 (Beethoven); Le rondeau (Masterpiece Theatre theme) (Mouret); Hornpipe from Water music suite (Handel).
Contemporary: Butterfly kisses; Forever in love; House of love; Lost without you; I will be here;Flesh of my flesh; Household of faith; Love in any language; Now that I've found you; This is the day (A wedding song); Don't let me walk this road alone; Give me forever.
