October 2005
A ‘Top Ten’ Wedding Voluntaries	Show Menu

Janet Ashe, Judy Cameron, Randal Henly, Philip Lawton, Ruth Maybury, John Rowden, Derek Seymour, Heather Taylor.

Ten amateur organists were asked to list their ten most-often-played wedding voluntaries — and this has resulted in the list that follows. Asterisks indicate the number of those listing a particular piece. It is hoped that this article will provide some ideas for organists to add to their repertoires. This article concludes the series of the ‘top ten’ voluntaries for various occasions.

However, the Introduction that follows comes from the RSCM’s “Sunday by Sunday” of some time ago. It contains much sense, as well as suggestions that might make the task of choosing wedding music easier for both organist the the bridal couple.

Music For Weddings

The bride and groom will always appreciate help and guidance with their wedding music. Encourage them to think about the words and music they might choose, and what associations certain pieces have. Couples need to be ‘realistic’ about the kind of event they expect their wedding to be. You may need to dispel some illusions, explaining that your resources are incapable of reproducing the sound of the Last Night of the Proms, the Morman Tabernacle Choir, or the organ of Notre Dame; not everyone knows that the Toccata by Widor needs a large organ and one with pedals!

Choice of wedding music ideally should pass three tests:

• musical: within their chosen style, do the words and music ‘work’;
• liturgical: are the chosen pieces appropriate for use at a wedding?
• pastoral: are they appropriate for use at this wedding (given the musical resources anticipated, the ‘style’ of the occasion, the size of the congregation and their likely readiness to sing)?

For example, the ‘Pie Jesu’ (whether the Fauré or the Lloyd Webber one) would pass the musical test, but not the liturgical test for a wedding, it being a prayer for mercy on those who have died. As the inclusion of secular songs becomes increasingly common at both weddings and funerals, thought needs to be given to whether this is acceptable, and in what circumstances.

Try to anticipate difficulties and provide guidelines in advance. This is much easier (and more tactful) than taking the red pencil to the bride’s list of hymns. Make your own repertoire lists, offering them to the couple in good time. If a suggested hymn is less than familiar, then it is only likely to work with a large and musical congregation or with the choir present. A tape or CD giving samples of suitable hymns and organ music, and some suggested choral or vocal pieces is invaluable. Alternatively, invite the bride and groom to a live demonstration at the organ. This sort of care and attention invariably pays off — on the day and beyond.

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