Music at Weddings

You have chosen to have your wedding in the traditional Christian setting of Christ Church Claremont. At all the weddings in Christ Church the pipe organ provides the basis for the music. If you wish you may have other musicians in additional to the organist, such as a singer, trumpeter, flautist etc. As Organist and Director of Music, we anticipate that I will be playing the organ at your wedding and that all aspects of music associated with the occasion will be discussed with me well in advance.

We want the music at your wedding to be bright, enjoyable and appropriate, so that it adds to the joy and dignity of the celebration. Music chosen, whether played on the organ or performed by a singer or instrumentalist, also needs to be suitable for a religious setting. Specifically, the music must be in harmony with the Christian view of marriage and worship. Who determines suitability? The Parish Priest is ultimately responsible for all the worship offered in the church, including marriages. In practice, however, the Parish Priest works closely with the Director of Music in these matters, so you need to discuss your plans fully with me. We try to be generous in determining what is 'in' and what is 'out', but nevertheless, our standard is high, as you would expect. A range of musical styles may be suitable, and we have no wish to impose more restrictions than are absolutely necessary. Some popular music is quite suitable for inclusion, while some is better played at the reception rather than at the ceremony in the church. Recorded music is not allowed in the church.

Instrumentalists or singers usually need to arrange time for a rehearsal with the organist, so it is important to let me know about any plans of this sort as early as possible.

I will meet you by appointment (please contact me, preferably during office hours: 9224 3023) and a convenient time for this is following the Sunday 10am Eucharist to discuss the music required by the marriage liturgy itself and usually demonstrate some suitable pieces so that you have a genuine choice.

See below for an explanation of music required by the Shape of the Liturgy, together with a list of suggested music suitable for entry and exit of the bridal party.

Recording music at weddings (video or audio tape) may infringe stringent copyright laws, which are now being enforced. It is absolutely vital that you discuss all music choices with me so that we can check copyright provisions. Should you choose only music which is in the public domain, there is no risk of prosecution. If you wish to use and record copyright music of any kind, it will be your own responsibility to seek the necessary permission from the owner well in advance and pay the licence fee.

It is always better to plan these matters together, but if you have no specific requests about music, or if you are planning your marriage from overseas or interstate, I am happy to select suitable music for your wedding.

Shape of the Liturgy
Introductory music
Played for about ten minutes before the arrival of the bridal party, during which time the bells (if requested) also ring.
 
Entry music

For the procession of the bridal party from porch to sanctuary
 
Interlude music

During the signing of the legal documents, marriage register, etc.
 
Recessional music

For the procession of the bridal party from sanctuary to porch.
 
Hymns

Are always optional, never necessary, one is sufficient, two are possible, but they are better not attempted unless you are sure your guests will be prepared so sing; hymn(s) are usually sung midway through the ceremony after the documents have been signed.

Processional and Recessional Music
You may chose traditional music for entry and exit of the bridal party, or wish to have something more distinctive from this range of alternatives. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and you might like to make further suggestions.
 

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Bridal March (traditional entry music)
Wedding March (traditional exit music)
Trumpet Voluntary
Trumpet Tune
Toccata in F Major
Organ Concerto No 1 (1st movement)
Allegro from the Royal Fireworks Music
Hornpipe from the Water Music
Introduction to Te Deum
Theme from Symphony No 9
Introduction to the Fifth Symphony
Toccata and Grand Choeur
Finale and Chorus
Trumpet Tune in D Major
Wagner
Mendelssohn
Clark
Purcell
Widor
Vivaldi
Handel
Handel
Carpentier
Beethoven
Widor
Dubois
Guilmant
David Johnson
 
Jim Bruce
Organist and Director of Music
Telephone: (W) 9224 3023     (H) 9447 8225       Mobile: 0416 060 770
Email: james.bruce@health.wa.gov.au       bruce_net44@hotmail.com