Wedding Music - Saint Mungo’s
Townhead - Glasgow
Choosing music for your Wedding service can seem a daunting task, but with a little thought, it will make your ceremony even more memorable.
The Catholic Church requires that music during your wedding ceremony should express the faith of the Church and be appropriate to the celebration. You are welcome to choose music and hymns for your ceremony but we recommend that you do so in consultation with the Organist.
You must discuss initial arrangements with the officiating priest. A church organist is automatically contacted when the wedding is confirmed in the parish diary. Then:
· Contact the Organist for advice on choosing the music.
· There is a list of music suggestions at the end or you can consult a wide variety of sources of information (such as internet sites and magazines although be careful as some suggestions may not be suitable for use in a Catholic church!).
· You may already have some idea of the music you would like, in which case, often a phone call or exchange of emails is all that is required.
· The organ is by far the best accompaniment for the congregation in church; it is possible however, for certain music, to involve other instruments. Sometimes the piano could be used.
Guest organists and other musicians
If you wish to have your own organist or other musicians lead the service, they must be approved by the Church Organist. Saint Mungo’s Organ is a large and historic instrument and any visiting organist must be experienced and competent.
You may have family or friends who have offered to help with the music on your special day. This can be arranged with the Church Organist but remains at their discretion. Please be certain that singers or instrumentalists are of a good standard - this is a big building to fill! Be sure they are comfortable with the style of music you want (we have had unfortunate experiences in the past). If extra rehearsals are required with the organist (apart from before the ceremony on the day), an additional £30 per rehearsal is charged.
Use of CD’s and other pre-recorded material: the use of pre-recorded music (CD or MP3 etc.) is not permitted except in exceptional circumstances. It is also our policy not to allow the use of secular music in Divine Service, in the same way that religious music is not allowed at civil ceremonies
Music Suggestions
There are several places where music is appropriate. The organist will usually play whilst people arrive. Here are some suggestions for the rest of the music:
Cantor/Soloist
A cantor/soloist can usually be arranged through the organist.
Entrance of the Bride
The Bridal March from ‘Lohengrin’ by Wagner (“Here comes the Bride”) is still the most popular choice, but other alternatives include ‘The Prince of Denmark’s March’ by Jeremiah Clarke (sometimes known as the Trumpet Voluntary) or Trumpet Tune (Purcell). You may also, as an alternative, process into the church during a hymn. See music suggestions at the end.
Signing of the Register
The organ, cantor or soloist could sing during the signing (it takes approx six or seven minutes) Ave Maria or Panis Angelicus (Franck), The organist could also play a hymn – this is preferred as a means of keeping a prayerful atmosphere.
Exit of the Bride and Groom
The traditional choice, the Wedding March from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by Mendelssohn is still the most requested. See music suggestions at the end.
Hymns
Usually two or three in total; at the beginning, after the readings, and at the end.
At a nuptial mass normally three or four hymns are required, entrance, offertory, communion and exit. You can choose from so many but bear in mind the congregation that you will have. Are they likely to be familiar with sacred music, are they a mixture of all creeds and/or none? Many hymns will be known to all denominations, but not all. Some weddings choose not to have hymns, but there is no doubt that your guests will usually relish the chance to let loose their vocal chords to support you. See music suggestions at the end.
Other Places
If you have a cantor or soloist, the psalm and particularly the Gospel acclamation should be sung. If you require settings for the Ordinary of the Mass (Sanctus, Agnus Dei etc), you must consult the Priest and the Organist.
Printed order of Service?
If you have one, you should print composers of organ music and authors of hymn words. Please remember to publish the names of the musicians!
Suggested Hymns for Weddings
This is only a small list of suggestions. If you consult other websites for suggestions, be aware that some of the ideas in them are not suitable for this church.
A new commandment
Joyful joyful we adore thee
All that I am
Let there be love
All things bright and beautiful
Lord of all hopefulness
Amazing grace
Lord of all loving we stand before you
(Tune: Christ be beside me)
As I kneel before you
Lord, you have come to the seashore
Be our chief guest Lord
Love divine all loves excelling
Be still for the presence of the Lord
Majesty, worship his majesty
Bind us together
Make me a channel of your peace
Colours of day
Morning has broken
Dear Lord and father of mankind
Morning has broken
Give me joy in my heart
One bread one body
God in the planning and purpose of life
(Tune: Be thou my vision)
Peace perfect peace
Hear us now, Our God and Father
(Tune: Alleluia sing to Jesus)
Praise my soul the king of heaven
How great thou art
Praise to the Lord the almighty
I The Lord of sea and sky (Here I am Lord)
Soul of my savior
I will come to you in the silence
The Lords my Shepherd
Immortal invisible God only wise
This is my body
Processional Music - Organ
Wedding Music – IN
Air from Water Music – George Frideric Handel
Prelude from Ninth Symphony – Ludwig van Beethoven
Arioso – Johann Sebastian Bach
March from Scipio – George Frideric Handel
Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin – Richard Wagner
I was Glad – H Parry
Canon – Johann Pachelbel
Highland Cathedral – U Roever & M Korb
Wedding Music In & Out
March from Scipio – George Frideric Handel
Te Deum – Marc Antoine Charpentier
Prelude from Ninth Symphony – Ludwig van Beethoven
Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell
Wedding Music – OUT
Nuptual March – Saint Saens
War March of the Priests – Felix Mendelssohn
Prince of Denmarks March – Jeremiah Clark
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Felix Mendelssohn
Toccata – Walker
Townhead - Glasgow
Choosing music for your Wedding service can seem a daunting task, but with a little thought, it will make your ceremony even more memorable.
The Catholic Church requires that music during your wedding ceremony should express the faith of the Church and be appropriate to the celebration. You are welcome to choose music and hymns for your ceremony but we recommend that you do so in consultation with the Organist.
You must discuss initial arrangements with the officiating priest. A church organist is automatically contacted when the wedding is confirmed in the parish diary. Then:
· Contact the Organist for advice on choosing the music.
· There is a list of music suggestions at the end or you can consult a wide variety of sources of information (such as internet sites and magazines although be careful as some suggestions may not be suitable for use in a Catholic church!).
· You may already have some idea of the music you would like, in which case, often a phone call or exchange of emails is all that is required.
· The organ is by far the best accompaniment for the congregation in church; it is possible however, for certain music, to involve other instruments. Sometimes the piano could be used.
Guest organists and other musicians
If you wish to have your own organist or other musicians lead the service, they must be approved by the Church Organist. Saint Mungo’s Organ is a large and historic instrument and any visiting organist must be experienced and competent.
You may have family or friends who have offered to help with the music on your special day. This can be arranged with the Church Organist but remains at their discretion. Please be certain that singers or instrumentalists are of a good standard - this is a big building to fill! Be sure they are comfortable with the style of music you want (we have had unfortunate experiences in the past). If extra rehearsals are required with the organist (apart from before the ceremony on the day), an additional £30 per rehearsal is charged.
Use of CD’s and other pre-recorded material: the use of pre-recorded music (CD or MP3 etc.) is not permitted except in exceptional circumstances. It is also our policy not to allow the use of secular music in Divine Service, in the same way that religious music is not allowed at civil ceremonies
Music Suggestions
There are several places where music is appropriate. The organist will usually play whilst people arrive. Here are some suggestions for the rest of the music:
Cantor/Soloist
A cantor/soloist can usually be arranged through the organist.
Entrance of the Bride
The Bridal March from ‘Lohengrin’ by Wagner (“Here comes the Bride”) is still the most popular choice, but other alternatives include ‘The Prince of Denmark’s March’ by Jeremiah Clarke (sometimes known as the Trumpet Voluntary) or Trumpet Tune (Purcell). You may also, as an alternative, process into the church during a hymn. See music suggestions at the end.
Signing of the Register
The organ, cantor or soloist could sing during the signing (it takes approx six or seven minutes) Ave Maria or Panis Angelicus (Franck), The organist could also play a hymn – this is preferred as a means of keeping a prayerful atmosphere.
Exit of the Bride and Groom
The traditional choice, the Wedding March from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by Mendelssohn is still the most requested. See music suggestions at the end.
Hymns
Usually two or three in total; at the beginning, after the readings, and at the end.
At a nuptial mass normally three or four hymns are required, entrance, offertory, communion and exit. You can choose from so many but bear in mind the congregation that you will have. Are they likely to be familiar with sacred music, are they a mixture of all creeds and/or none? Many hymns will be known to all denominations, but not all. Some weddings choose not to have hymns, but there is no doubt that your guests will usually relish the chance to let loose their vocal chords to support you. See music suggestions at the end.
Other Places
If you have a cantor or soloist, the psalm and particularly the Gospel acclamation should be sung. If you require settings for the Ordinary of the Mass (Sanctus, Agnus Dei etc), you must consult the Priest and the Organist.
Printed order of Service?
If you have one, you should print composers of organ music and authors of hymn words. Please remember to publish the names of the musicians!
Suggested Hymns for Weddings
This is only a small list of suggestions. If you consult other websites for suggestions, be aware that some of the ideas in them are not suitable for this church.
A new commandment
Joyful joyful we adore thee
All that I am
Let there be love
All things bright and beautiful
Lord of all hopefulness
Amazing grace
Lord of all loving we stand before you
(Tune: Christ be beside me)
As I kneel before you
Lord, you have come to the seashore
Be our chief guest Lord
Love divine all loves excelling
Be still for the presence of the Lord
Majesty, worship his majesty
Bind us together
Make me a channel of your peace
Colours of day
Morning has broken
Dear Lord and father of mankind
Morning has broken
Give me joy in my heart
One bread one body
God in the planning and purpose of life
(Tune: Be thou my vision)
Peace perfect peace
Hear us now, Our God and Father
(Tune: Alleluia sing to Jesus)
Praise my soul the king of heaven
How great thou art
Praise to the Lord the almighty
I The Lord of sea and sky (Here I am Lord)
Soul of my savior
I will come to you in the silence
The Lords my Shepherd
Immortal invisible God only wise
This is my body
Processional Music - Organ
Wedding Music – IN
Air from Water Music – George Frideric Handel
Prelude from Ninth Symphony – Ludwig van Beethoven
Arioso – Johann Sebastian Bach
March from Scipio – George Frideric Handel
Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin – Richard Wagner
I was Glad – H Parry
Canon – Johann Pachelbel
Highland Cathedral – U Roever & M Korb
Wedding Music In & Out
March from Scipio – George Frideric Handel
Te Deum – Marc Antoine Charpentier
Prelude from Ninth Symphony – Ludwig van Beethoven
Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell
Wedding Music – OUT
Nuptual March – Saint Saens
War March of the Priests – Felix Mendelssohn
Prince of Denmarks March – Jeremiah Clark
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Felix Mendelssohn
Toccata – Walker