Timeless Sophistication
Erin McKay
“Classic, to me, means elegant and timeless,” said Lady Spencer-Churchill, aunt of Winston Churchill.
Her comment summarizes classical music’s appeal to many brides. Although it isn’t as commercially successful as popular music, classical music is making a strong comeback at special functions. Even people unfamiliar with classical music respond to its warmth and sophistication.
“I think people these days are turning to classical music because it has such a dignity about it,” said Susan Pitard-Acree, a former violinist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra who has performed at hundreds of weddings.
Because many composers created liturgical pieces during the classical period, this music is especially suited for religious ceremonies.
“Classical music has a certain formality of structure, a seriousness of intent,” said James Thomashower, executive director of the American Guild of Organists in New York. “The appropriate music for a religious ceremony is not the Beatles but something that’s written to support the worship element. After all, the marriage ceremony is a sacrament.”
Whether religious or secular, classical music compositions pair well with the flute, clarinet, violin, viola, cello, organ or piano. Arrangements also exist for vocal soloists, trumpets, guitars, harps and handbells.
“The harp is so effective for weddings,” said Dorothy Victor, a harpist in Beverly Hills. “It’s a very intimate, emotional instrument.”
Ensembles often augment the organ that provides Wagner’s ever-popular “Bridal Chorus” – also known as “Here Comes the Bride” – and Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.”
Audience size is one important consideration when creating a musical menu. Church ceremonies and non-alcoholic receptions call for fewer musicians than less subdued civil ceremonies or functions where alcohol is served.
According to Amy Wiggs, a flutist with Accent Chamber Music in Houston, three musicians are usually sufficient for a guest list of 50 to 100 people. A quartet is better for somewhat larger groups, while chamber ensembles can entertain bigger crowds.
Cost is another consideration. Most musicians charge by the hour, and some factor in their travel time. Associations such as the American Federation of Musicians can help locate competent classical musicians. Wedding coordinators and catering managers are other likely sources. “They have lists of people they know to be good and they’ll recommend somebody,” Victor said.
Many professionals post ads on the Internet, in the Yellow Pages and in bridal publications like Weddingpages. Musicians who frequently perform together often give the best performances.
“A group that plays together regularly is going to play more smoothly than a pickup group,” Pitard-Acree said.
Shoppers should ask for references, then listen to the artists in person. By meeting with musicians before hiring them, prospective clients can ensure they’ll get what they’re paying for.
Personal interviews also can provide an opportunity to reach decisions about instruments and specific selections. If her clients aren’t sure what they want, Wiggs invites them to review a demonstration video when they come in for their appointment. Victor provides a mini-concert in her home. “I always invite the bride and groom to come to my house beforehand because they won’t hear the music at the wedding,” Victor said.
Because Pitard-Acree and the musicians she hires get a lot of requests for old love songs and classics by Gershwin, Cole Porter and Andrew Lloyd Webber, she recommends a combination of classical and Broadway tunes for receptions.
Non-nuptial classical selections can be perfect for a wedding. It’s always possible to shorten classical pieces, too.
If a wedding ceremony takes place in a synagogue or church, couples should consult with the clergy or music director to make sure the music they’ve selected is permissible. For example, some Jewish rabbis don’t allow Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” because of his anti-Semitism. Certain churches will not permit secular songs.
Classical musicians must have an appropriate space in which to perform. Outside venues are problematic because of the weather. Besides being miserable for musicians and guests alike, precipitation, extreme temperatures and humidity can damage expensive instruments. Glare might make sheet music difficult to read, while a stiff breeze can scatter it across the lawn.
If the weather is inclement, musicians should be provided adequate shelter or an alternate location.
Even indoor settings present climate-related challenges. For example, musicians in an air-conditioned sanctuary have to keep readjusting their instruments’ pitch if the temperature fluctuates due to the opening and closing doors.
The best location for the stage depends on the amount of volume needed and the type of instruments played. A facility’s acoustics will also determine the placement of instruments. An ensemble that plays in a balcony can create an especially ethereal effect. Finally, there are equipment needs, such as armless chairs, electrical outlets and lighting. Pre-recorded classical music also has the power to stir emotion.
But whether it emanates from a boom box or a 20-piece orchestra, classical music turns a special affair into one that’s a classic.