Customer Reviews

The Wedding Album

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Most of the "wedding" albums are filled with a 15 - 30 of the 50 or so greatest classical wedding hits. Sample the albums on line before you buy. In fact, if the budget is tight, you can do the whole selection process on line by just playing the samples. First consider the instruments that you plan to use - organ, piano, guitar, brass ensemble, whatever. The instrument of course will have much to say about what to consider. Then select albums that have the selections played on the instrument(s) you are expecting to use. An organ is quite versatile of course and can handle anything for a keyboard and even does nicely for the festive trumpet in case your marching band first trumpet is tied up doing lifeguard duty.

My daughter and I have been serious music lovers and amateur pianists, violinist (she only), organist (I only), and singers. Since our church has a very good new electronic organ that can simulate very well the rich tones of a real pipe organ, we are looking for some heavy duty music for organ.

Listen to the sample from item 5, the Rondeau from Abdelazer by Henry Purcell. Play it loud and imagine it as a recessional - with the bride and groom waiting to turn around until the first repetition of the magnificent theme.

This is the only wedding album I found with this Rondeau arranged for organ. Many other albums have this selection played by a small chamber orchestra. That's the way it was written, but we won't be paying for an orchestra in church. And it's magnificent on organ.

We will be using item 21, Where'er You Walk from Handel's Semele as well. It is a beautiful tenor aria with words that are just right. Look around for the words on the Internet - great poetry, and a great love song with stong religious meaning as well.

As a musician and music lover, I have looked extensively for the right music for my traditional wedding ceremony with a couple of twists. So tired of the traditional bridal march, I chose Rigaudon as my entrance. This CD has good-quality sound, able musicianship, and 28 selections from which to choose. The organ is the best instrument in a cathedral to inspire the congregants. The bass tones are not too throaty, and the high pitches are clear, yet pleasing to the ear.

This compilation is better than some others in that it is all played on organ, has so many selections, and the overall feel is regal and celebratory.

This album has everything you need to get you the ideas you need for prelude, processional or postlude music in a church setting for organ...strictly organ. Very well done. One of the few great renditions of Rigaudon I have heard.

For the bride desiring classical repertoire at her wedding, and who's lucky enough to have access to a proficient organist (and a decent instrument), this is an excellent CD to audition. Newman is a world-class performer, but most of the selections should be within the grasp of any trained, degreed organist. These are NOT pieces you'd ask the little old lady at the Methodist church to play on her Hammond!

For another example of Newman's work, see:
Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson

We received the cd in time for the wedding. It had all the music we needed. I am very pleased with the cd and the purchase. Thank you.