Let's talk about...Wedding Music

So I'm going to take a little break from concert reviews to chat about a lighter topic.

Today at work, I was put on hold by a particularly dysfunctional insurance company when the hold music was none other than "Canon in D." While this mind-numbing tune may have been meant to calm the angry customer on hold, it only fuels my rage. God damn that freaking tune.

After hanging up without having reached a supervisor, I was put in mind of planning my wedding music. I wanted something unique for the ceremony that would still be OK'd by my traditional Catholic Church (no pop or show tunes, they said).

As you may have guessed, the internet was NO help in this matter. What do wedding websites think is an original processional? "God Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts. No thanks. And every site lists the wedding greatest (yawn!) hits, which can be found in any Hal Leonard "Wedding Classics" piano book. This led me to ask my pianist friends what songs they had (over)played at weddings. Topping the charts: CiD. Snore.

Let's break down the top choices, shall we?

Ave Maria, Bach - Hail Mary, Full of Grace...I'm getting married, not doing penance.
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Bach - Pretty, common, too Christmas-y for me.
Air on a G String, Bach - I'm not mature enough for this.
Four Seasons: Winter, Vivaldi - Actually, what I wanted in high school. When I thought I would marry my high school boyfriend. Thank you, no.
O mio babbino caro, Puccini - Ok, this song is about a girl threatening to kill herself if her father doesn't let her marry the man she wants. Not quite the sentiment I'm going for.
Trumpet Voluntary, Clarke - All the rage after Princess Di's wedding, and we all know how that worked out.
The Bridal Chorus, Wagner - pass.
The Wedding March, Mendelsson - also pass. These last two are so over-used that they are the butt of jokes these days.

And Canon in D, Pachelbel - the bass line to end all brain work for pop music.



I know it's an oldie, but it's a goodie. Plus I saw him do this live :)

So you may be wondering "Lauren, what DID you use? You and Corey are so creative, you MUST have come up with something awesome and cool and different!" (your sarcasm has been noted)

The processional was the first movement of "Glassworks" by Philip Glass, and the recessional was "Da tempeste il legno infranto" from Giulio Cesare by Handel performed by flute and piano.

Now I'm interested to hear what you think! What is the most unique or meaningful song you've heard at a wedding?