Classical Wedding, Vol. 2 is a beautiful collection of traditional wedding music for brass. The songs are performed by a quintet: John Rommel and Jeff Bailey on trumpets, Leslie Norton on French horn, Barry Green on trombone, and Gilbert Long on the tuba.
When I listened to the album, I tried to imagine a wedding and at what point I would use the particular song I was listening to. Some of the tracks are the traditional, commonly used songs such as the "Bridal Chorus" by Wagner (better known as "Here Comes The Bride"), "Trumpet Tune And Voluntary" by Purcell, and Mendelssohn's "Wedding March." These are all performed in the conventional arrangements used over the years. The "Grand March" from Verdi's Aida is an impressive, short march, very ceremonious in nature, that could be used for the attendants or the bride. "Rondeau" by Mouret is another stately march that would be appropriate for the attendants' processional.
Some of the music would be very appropriate for the lighting of the candles, or the seating of the family. Bach's "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring" is such a selection, as are Handel's "Hornpipe" from "Water Music" and Stanley's "Trumpet Tune."
Some of the tracks seemed very somber and imposing in my opinion; others were elegant but still sacred, perhaps good for setting the mood while early guests are seating themselves, or when the wedding party has left the sanctuary and guests are leaving. Such songs are the "Praetorius Suite," Mozart's "Adagio" from "Clarinet Concerto," "Little Ronde" by Susato, and Wagner's "Pilgrim's Chorus." Campra's "The Rigaudon" is a very slow, regal processional appropriate for the post-ceremony, as is Bach's "Aria Duetto" from "Cantata 78." The traditional Shaker tune known as "Simple Gifts" is played in a very slow, solemn version, proper for the anti-climactic point of the family members leaving after the wedding party. Purcell's "Trumpet Sonata" and Gabrieli's "Canzona Per Sonare no. 2" would also be good at the end of the ceremony.
I really thought the whole album was beautiful and could be used at an indoor or outdoor ceremony, and parts of it would serve well as background for photo sessions and receptions. If you have a wedding coming up, I would heartily recommend you give this collection a try.
