For organ, other instruments, solo voice, and choir
Although nearly all church weddings include organ music, many couples seem uncertain about the place for other musicians in the ceremony. Should family and friends who are musicians be encouraged to do their part to make the occasion joyful and memorable?
As many have discovered, combining instruments and voices with the available keyboard provides a variety of ways to express joy, praise and thanksgiving. It also gives a couple the opportunity to involve more musicians in making music for one of the happiest occasions in life.
Especially if the organ is small or very limited, additional instruments can enhance the musical offering by adding more bright and festive sounds or, conversely, more warmth and sweetness.
There are three ways to approach the use of musical instruments with the organ.
The first way is to simply select from the abundance of music published for a variety of different organ-instrument combinations.
The second way is to consult with the instrumentalists who will be performing to discover what they might have in their repertoire, provided the keyboard accompaniment can be transferred to the organ. Most sonatas and suites have lyric slow movements and contrasting bright allegro movements that make for effective programming.
The third way to plan instrumental music with the organ is to make use of appropriate organ pieces, lifting the solos from organ pedal or manual parts and adapting them for other instruments. Be sure, though, to select the appropriate soloist for the piece.
Don't overlook the numerous descants in hymnals either. A trumpeter can use these arrangements to accompany congregational singing. A violin or flute can play them against a quiet organ sound to make additional settings of a favorite hymn. Two or three instruments can be involved in a simple hymnal setting, giving the lower- and higher-pitched instruments a turn to play the melody.
The people involved in the wedding, especially the bride and groom, will naturally help in selecting the music. But it is good to remember that the church setting for the Christian wedding calls for a balance of dignity and joyfulness. When vocal music is selected, both solemnity and happiness can be expressed in the use of biblical and prayerful texts.
The use of an organ plus instrument(s) gives friends and relatives the opportunity to be involved in the wedding through performance. The planning and playing can be a memorable and unique gift and can result in an increased air of happiness and celebration. The music can be as easy or as difficult as abilities and preparation time allow.
The list below includes music that, in my experience, has proved to be useful and appreciated. Most of it is not difficult to perform (easy-medium range) and is a pleasant and rewarding way to provide beautiful and inspiring music for church weddings.
TRUMPET AND ORGAN
Clarke, Jeremiah (arr. S. D. Wolff).
(optional tympani)
"Trumpet Tune and March"
Baroque Composers ot the Chapels Royal, Concordia 97-4884 Rec; key of D (B flat or C parts); 2'30"; M (goes to high B)
"The Prince of Denmark's March"
Wedding Music, Book II, Augsburg 11-9524 key ot B flat; 2; E-M (comfortable range) [frequenly used]
"Trumpet Tune"
Wedding Music, Book II, Augsburg 11-9524 key of B Bat; 1'30'; E (comfortable range); [frequenly used]
Goemanne, Noel
"March for Trumpet and Organ"
H.W. Gray GSTC1023
Pro; key olB flat; 3'30" (can be cut as needed); E-M [pleasant contemporary style]
Goodwin, William
"Trumpet Voluntary"
Wedding Music, Book II, Augsburg 11-9524 Rec; key of B flat 1'30"; M [sprightly one beat per measure]
Handel, G. F. (arr. S. D. Wolff)
"Processional 2"
Six Processionals, Concordia 97-5327
Pro; key of C (B lat S C parts); 1OT; M-D (goes to high B);
[think two beats per measure]
"Processional 5"
Six Processionals, Concordia 97-5327
Pro; key of C, (B flat & C part); 1'; E (range to A)
[easily paced processional, two beats per measure]
Hovhaness, Alan
"Prayer of St. Gregory"
Pier International, NY
key of a; 3OT; M-D (keyboard easier)
[wonderfully expressive and dramatic piece]
Johnson, David
'Tune for Trumpet" (optional tympani.)
Concordia 11 -0657
Rec, key of B flat (B flat trumpet); 2OT-4' (can be cut); M
[festive rhythms]
"Processional"
Festival Pieces for Brass, Augsburg 11 -9173 Pro; key of B flat; 4'45' (cuts possible); E-M [attractive; possible on piano]
"Allegro Maestoso"
Festival Pieces lor Brass, Augsburg 11-9174 Pro; key of F; 4'-S' (cuts possible); E-M; [very elective; possible on piano]
"Sinfonia"
Festival Pieces for Brass, Augsburg 11-9175 key of B Sat; 3'30* (cuts possible) [lyric piece; possible on piano]
Johnson, David arr.
'The Agincourt, Hymn"
Wedding Music, Book II, Augsburg 11-9524 Pro; key of C minor; 1'30"; E-M
[majestic]
"O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High"
Psalter Hymnal 364
Kauffmann, G. F.
"Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow"
Six Chorales from "Harmonische Seelenlust" Concordia 97-4388 Pre, Post; key of B flat; 1'; E (keyboard M)
Krebs,J.L.
"O God, Thou Holy God"
Eight Chorale Preludes, Mercury
key of F;3OT-4';M (keyboard D)
[cantabile style]
"Father, Dwell in Every Heart"
Eight Chorale Preludes, Mercury
key of C; 4+'; E (keyboard D)
[allegro, rewarding to learn]
Melby, James
'Trumpeting in B Flat Major"
Wedding Music, Book II, Augsburg 11 -9524
Pre, Pest key of B flat;?; E-M
Mouret, J. J. (arr. Gardner)
"Rondeau" and "Fanfares"
Symphonies De Fanfares, Befwin-Mils
Pro, Rec; key of D (C trumpet part); 230" and 1'301 M-D
[Theme music from Masterpiece Theatre]
Peeters, Flor
"Aria"
Sonata for Trumpet, Opus 51, Peters ed. Pre;keyofF;3'30";M
[wonderfully lyric]
Purcell, Henry (ed. E. Power Biggs)
"Trumpet Voluntary"
Ceremonial Music for Organ, Mercury Music
Pro, Rec; key of D (B flat trumpet); 2OT; M-D
"Voluntary on Old Hundredth"
Ceremonial Music for Organ, Mercury Music
Pre; key of A (B flat trumpet); 2OT; M-D
"Trumpet Tune"
Ceremonial Music for Organ, Mercury Music Pro; key of C (B flat trumpet); 1'20'; M (high range) [traditional]
Stanley, John
"Voluntary"
Wedding Music, Book II. Augsburg 11-9524
Pro; key of B flat; Z;M
[dignified]
Telemann, G. P. (arr. D. Pizarro)
"La Grace" and "La Vaillance"
Heroick Music, Sacred Music Press
Pro; key of D (B Bat trumpet); 2.3V-5' (repeats); M-D (key of E)
["Andante" to brisk cut time tempo]
SOLO INSTRUMENT WITH ORGAN
Bach, J. S.
"Abide with Me" (Be Thou But Near)
Wedding Music, Book I, Augsburg 11-9523
key of E flat; 1'30'; E [violin, flute or oboe]
"Air for the G String" (violin suggested)
Wedding Music, Bock I, Augsburg 11-9523
keyofC;2OT;E-M
Hooks easier than It is, but rewarding to play]
"Arioso" (violin, flute or oboe)
Wedding Music, Book I, Augsburg 11-9523
Pre; key of F; SOT; M
[lovely music]
"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (violin or flute best)
Wedding Music, Book I, Augsburg 11-9523
key of G; 3'3O"; M
[instument accompanies solo line]
Berthier, Jacques
"Pastorale" (oboe)
GIA Publications
key of E; 2; M
[lyric contemporary]
Boyce, William
"Gavotte"
Wedding Music, Book IV, Augsburg
Pro; key of F;Z;E
[oboe or lute suggested, piano or harpsicord possible]
Handel, G. F.
"Air"
Wedding Music, Book IV, Augsburg
keyofEflat;1'30';E
[oboe, violin, or flute; setting could work in small space, piano or harpsichord possible]
Hurlebusch, C.
"Minuetto"
Wedding Music, Book IV, Augsburg
Pro;keyofElat1';E
[oboe, violin or lute; tils could precede tie Handel "Air above as a processional]
Kauffmann, G. F.
"Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" (oboe)
Six Chorales from 'Harmonische Seelenlust', Concordia 97-4388 Pre, Post key of B Hat 1'; E (keyboard M)
Krebs, J. L.
"O God, Thou Holy God", (oboe)
Eight Chorale Preludes, Mercury Pre; key of F; 3OT-4'; M (keyboard D)
[carrtaHt style]
Vivaldi, A.
"Largo"
Wedding Music, Book IV, Augsburg
key of D; 1'30";E MOTE
[flute or violin suit tie style]
INSTRUMENTAL SOLO LIFTED FROM ORGAN SCORE
Milford, Robin
"The King of Love My Shepherd Is"
Wedding Music, Part II, Concordia 97-1370
key of A flat ^M
[cello plays pedal ine one octave up]
Peeters, Flor
"Aria"
No. 265 Edition Heuwekemeijer, Amsterdam
key of G;3'40";E-M
[solo ine same as second movement of Trumpet Sonata; transpose for tumpet oboe uses score]
Purcell, Henry
"Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation"
Wedding Music Book IV, Augsburg Pro; key of G; 3'-4OT (can be cut); E-M
[selected sections for tumpet solo in processional]
Vaughan, Williams, R.
"Prelude on Rhosymedre"
Three Preludes on Welsh Hymns, Stainer and Bel
Pre;keyofG;3OT;E
[cello plays left hand melody on pages 1 and 2, then last page;trombone possible]
Wetzler, Robert
"Processional on Westminster Abbey"
Concordia 97-4574
Pro; key of B lat 4OT (can be cut); E
[trumpet can play melody at beginning or only on final stanza]
Willan, Healey
"Epithalame" (Wedding Song)
BMI, Canada Limited
Pro; key of C; 4'30" (can be cut); M
[trumpet plays melody on last page for bride's entrance; this can easily be cut also]
Wright, Searle
"Brother James's Air"
No. 93 P103, Oxford University Press
key of A;3';M
[cello plays pedal line on second page and left hand solo on last page; other adaptations possible]
TWO TRUMPETS AND ORGAN
Clarke, Jeremiah (arr. S. D. Wolff)
'Trumpet Tune Duet"
Baroque Composers of the Chapels Royal
Concordia 97-4884
Rec; key of C (B Sat and C parts); 1'30"; E-M
Handel, G. F. (ed. S D. Wolff)
"Processional I" (optional tympani)
Six Processionals, Concordia 97-5327
Pro; key of C(B flat &C parts); 2'; M (range to high B)
[dignified movement two beats per measure]
"Processional 3" (optional tympani)
Six Processionals, Concordia 97-5327
Pro; key of C (B Hat & C parts); 1'; M (range to high B)
[upbeat triple metre]
"Processional 4" (optional tympani)
Six Processionals, Concordia 97-5327
Pro; key of C (B flat &C parts); 1'40"; E-M (range to B)
[alegretto]
"Processional 6" (optional tympani)
Six Processionals, Concordia 97-5327
Pro; key of C(B Hat &C parts); 2'; E-M (range to A)
[alegretto maestoso]
"Rejoicing" (Royal Fireworks)
Music for Thanksgiving (arr. S. D. Wolff); Concordia 99-5294
Rec; key of C (B flat trumpet); 1'30'; M
"Processional," (arr. S. D. Wolff)
(optional tympani)
Baroque Composers of the Chapels Royal, Concordia 97-4884
key of D (B lat &C parts); 1'30"; M-D (trumpet to high C sharp)
[fine majesf c entance]
Purcell, Henry (ed. E. Power Biggs)
"Voluntary in C Major"
Ceremonial Music for Organ, Mercury
Music key of C (B lat tumpet); 2'-4'; M-D
[to begin at measure 51 at trumpet's entry is optional]
"Voluntary on the Doxology"
Music for Thanksgiving, Concordia 97-5294
Pre; key of B lat (B lat parts); 1'30; E
TWO INSTRUMENTS AND ORGAN
Bach, J. S.
"Grazioso"
Forty Short Duets for Beginner Flutists, G. Schirmer
key of G; 2'30";E
[use as ABA with Czemy 'Andante1 Isted below]
Cassler, G. Winston
"Jesus, Priceless Treasure"
Hymntune Duets, Augsburg (need three copies)
key of F;3';E-M
[both chorale and hymn setting in arrangement, two violins, two flutes or
one of each works well]
"In Heavenly Love Abiding"
Hymntme Duets, Augsburg (need three copies)
Pre; key of E flat; 2'40"; E-M
[two violins, two flutes, or one of each, makes lovely prelude music]
Czerny, Carl
"Andante" (flute parts included)
Forty Short Duets; for Beginner Flutists, G. Schirmer
key of C; 45"; E
[one of many useful pieces In this collection]
Handel, G. F. (arr. Glaser)
"Allegro" (two flute parts and two B
flat Clarinet parts included)
Sonata No. 2, Carl Fischer
key of D; 1'45"; E-M
[happy liting movement; possible recessional]
Tchaikovsky, P.
"Morning Prayer" (flute parts included)
Forty Short Duets for Beginner Flutists, G. Schirmer
key of D; 1'; E
[lovely lyric piece]
BRASS QUARTET AND ORGAN
Bach, J. S. (are. S. D. Wolff)
"Now Thank We all Our God"
Music for Thanksgiving, Concordia 97-5294
Rec; key of G; 3'; E (Organ M)
"Jesu, Come Let Us Praise Thee," (arr. Robert King).
Music for Brass, No. 405, Robert King Music Co.
key of B flat; 1'30"; E
[fanfare style to precede processional or as part of service]
Campra, Andre (arr. S. D. Wolff)
"Rigaudon"
Ceremonial Music from the French Baroque, Concordia 97-5773
Pro; key of G; 2'; E
[flowing, majestic]
Charpentier, M (arr. S. D. Wolff)
"Festival Prelude" (optional tympani)
Concordia 97-5916
Pre, Pro; key of C; 3'; E<
Clarke, Jeremiah (arr. S. D. Wolff)
"Fanfare" (optional tympani)
Ceremonial Music from the English Baroque, Concordia 97-5782
Pro, Rec; key of C (B flat & C trumpet); 2'; E
Johnson, David N. (optional tympani)
"Six Fanfares for Organ and Brass"
Concordia 97-5169
keys of C, E flat, F, G, A flat, B flat; all 30"-45"; E
[can lead into another piece, serve as a brief festive statement after
readings, may be played in groups or ABA settings]
Marcello, Benedetto (arr. Robert King)
"Psalm 18" (19)
Music for Brass, No 509; Robert King Music Co.
Rec; key of B flat; 3'; M
Purcell, Henry (arr. S. D. Wolf
"Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation"
Tune: WESTMINSTER ABBEY, Concordia 98-2564
key of A flat; 3'30", E-M
[optional SATB and/or congregation]
VOICE AND INSTRUMENT WITH ORGAN
Music adapted from two- part songs with C instrument playing second part, keyboard accompaniment
Bach, J. S.
"The Lord Bless You"
Wedding Blessings, Augsburg 97-9238; or
Concordia Octavo 98-1474
key of C;2' (can be cut); E-M
[original vocal duet can substitute violin or oboe for second part]
Franck, Cesar
"O Lord Most Holy"
Boston Music Co.
key of G; 3'30"; E (High, Medium, Low)
[Introduction, Interlude and canon played by violin, flute, celo, or
trombone]
Hopson, Hal
"The Gift of Love" (includes guitar chords)
Choral Folk Anthems, Hope Publishing, CF 148
key of G; 2'30"; E (medium voice)
[based on 1 Corinthians 13]
Sleeth, Natalie
"Laudamus Te"
Laudamus, Hinshaw Music, HMB 126
key of E flat; 2'30"; E
[exuberant praise; introit or service use]
"The Lord Be With You"
Laudamus, Hinshaw Music, HMB 126
key of G flat 2'; E
[reverent, benediction type]
"Blessing" (Organ or Piano)
Choristers Guild A 145
key of F; 2'30"; E (medium voice)
[last one and one half pages make ideal brief benediction response]
VOICE AND INSTRUMENTS WITH ORGAN
Bach, J. S.
"Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring" (flute or violin)
Wedding Blessings, Concordia 97-9238
key of G (High or Low voice); 3'30"; M
[optional cello]
Buxtehude, D.
"Lord, Who at Cana's Wedding Feast"
Wedding Blessings, Augsburg 97-9238
key of G; 3'30"; M (High a Low Voice)
[two violins and optional cello; joyful prayer text]
"O Father, All Creating"
Wedding Blessings, Augsburg 97-9238
key of D; 2'-4' (can be cut); M-D (High or Low Voice)
[two violins with optional cello, solemn prayer text]
Gates, B. Cecil
"The Lord's Prayer" (violin obligato)
Choir Publishing Co., Salt Lake City
key of B Hal (low); 1'30"; E-M (low, medium, high)
[romantic alternative to the Malotte setting]
Haan, Raymond H.
"The Unity Candle Song"
GIA Vocal Solos, G-2230, GIA Publishers
key of E flat; 1'15"; E
[C instrument replaces solo stop in introduction and on second stanza]
Pelz, Walter
"Happy Are They Who Dwell in Your
House," Psalm 84:3-4, 10-12
Three Solos for High Voice, Augsburg
Key of D; 2'30"; M-D
[oboe, violin or flute]
"Our Soul Waits for the Lord" Psalm
33:20-22 (cello)
Three Solos for High Voice, Augsburg
key of A;3'20"; M-D
Wetzler, Robert
"Bless Us, God of Loving"
Augsburg 11-721
key of F; 1'40"; E (Medium High Voice)
[reverent prayer text, Introduction and Interlude, alto line by violin]
Whitehead, William
"In Heavenly Love Abiding"
Octavo, TUM 131, Triune Music Inc.
key of E flat; 2'30". E-M (Medium Voice)
[solo or duet plus violin; text based on trust In God's care]