String Quartets
What should they play for your wedding ceremony?

So, you've booked a string quartet for your wedding ceremony. Or perhaps you're having a smaller gathering and you've opted for a duo or trio… they offer a wide range of music, but what should you ask them to play?

Many brides have a firm idea of traditional pieces which they'd like for their bridal entrance, the signing of the register or the recessional…. and there are no shortage of 'Classical Wedding Favourites' CD's to listen to if you'd like ideas on what's popular. Common choices include Pachelbels 'Canon in D', 'The Bridal Chorus' by Wagner (Here Comes the Bride), Bach - 'Air on a G string', 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' by Handel, the 'Wedding March' by Mendelssohn, or the ever popular 'Trumpet Voluntary' by Clarke….

But if none of those really grab you, or you just don't like the idea of your wedding music sounding the same as lots of other people, by delving a little further into your quartet's repertoire, you might turn up some absolutely beautiful pieces which are rarely chosen but which might be just perfect for your day.

Looking at the repertoire (or playlist) of most professional wedding quartets can be a little daunting, especially as the best groups can sometimes have several hundred pieces to choose from. Unless you're an enthusiastic fan of chamber music, you may not recognise many of the pieces listed. Of course, one option is to get in touch directly with your quartet and have a good talk about pieces which might work well -your musicians should have an extensive knowledge and will be able to make quite a few suggestions that you can go away and listen to - if you describe to them the mood you are hoping to create.

Firstly - consider whether you actually want classical music for your wedding at all. Some groups have very diverse repertoires which include pop and rock covers (tastefully played in a classical fashion of course), light music, jazz, songs from musicals, traditional Celtic or folk pieces - or even television and film themes. If you have a favourite piece that you'd definitely like, an increasing number of groups are happy to arrange this especially for you if you send them a CD well in advance - so that you can really go up the aisle to your favourite song. Many couples these days like the traditional feel of a string quartet, but opt to have an entirely modern selection of music - especially for contemporary weddings where many of the guests are younger.

If you're having a very traditional wedding though and definitely want to keep it classical, here are a few ideas of pieces which aren't necessarily going to make it onto the list of '10 most popular wedding choices' but which are well worth considering if you'd like something a little bit different...

Grieg - Wedding day at Troldhaugen
This celebratory piece is upbeat and jolly - perhaps an ideal choice for leaving the ceremony after the service.

Mozart - Wedding March from the Marriage of Figaro
Graceful, elegant and stately, this is another idea for the entrance at the beginning of the wedding - or the full length piece could be played during the signing of the register.

Elgar - Nimrod (from the Enigma variations)
Nostalgic, emotional and noble - and something most of your guests will instantly recognise, this piece is perfect if you're trying to create a very ceremonial and powerfully charged moment during the ceremony.

Debussy - Reverie
Originally written for piano, Debussy's Reverie is dreamy, slightly ethereal and magical - although it's not really upbeat enough to signify the end of the ceremony, it's certainly an idea to consider for signing the register - or perhaps to have played before the service, to set the atmosphere as guests arrive.

Bach - Sheep May Safely Graze
Gentle, and uplifting - a definite 'feel good 'track, again ideally suited for signing the register or pre-ceremony, this piece has quite a pastoral feel and if you're planning a countryside wedding, it would fit really nicely.

Bizet - Duet from the Pearl Fishers
Romantic, earnest and serious - this could work well at any point in the ceremony - many guests will recognise it and although it's really written for opera singers, it can sound stunning on stringed instruments.

Gluck - Dance of the Blessed Spirits
Soft and magical, this might have everyone so relaxed it could be an ideal piece to calm any wedding day nerves, a simple melody which works well for the signing of the register, before the ceremony or even for the entrance of the bride.

Satie - Gymnopedie no. 1
Another tranquil piece, originally written for piano - this could work well at any point of the ceremony, although it is quite sedate and usually played at a calm pace - so not the piece to choose if you want a rousing send off.

Tchaikovsky - Waltz from Sleeping Beauty
On the other hand, this is a romantic, dramatic piece which after all was written on the theme of a fairy tale. Popularised by several films, it is well known and catchy and a nice happy piece for either the end of the ceremony or the bridal entrance.

Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on Greensleeves
This is a familiar piece which everyone will know, but given a lyrical feel by the English composer Vaughan Williams. It would be a real shame to cut it short by having it played at the bridal entrance, but the whole thing would be an ideal accompaniment for signing the register. If you're holding your ceremony in an old Tudor building, or have any kind of countryside theme for your wedding, this would suit very well.

Lastly, do consider that when listening to possible pieces via itunes or youtube, it's good to try and hear a version which is actually played by a string quartet. If you've fallen in love with a piece played by a full scale orchestra, or on a lute, or even a version which features opera singers, it will sound quite different when arranged for strings.

Whatever you've chosen, do remember that a really good string quartet will be able to bring pieces to life with subtle inflections and emphasis in all the right places - so much depends on the skill and quality of the players - so whether you're going for modern or traditional, popular classic or something a little bit different - choose a really top quality quartet (listen to lots of different groups online samples and the good ones will really stand out) the music should sound gorgeous.

Written by Vaughan Jones 2009 © - Violinist from the Manor House String Quartet and Duo, a group who play for well over 100 weddings every year.
www.manorhousemusic.co.uk