Liturgy and Hymnody Review: Wedding Music

Moore, Bob and Kelly Dobbs Mickus, Arrangers. One in Love and Peace: Wedding Music for Piano, Organ, and Optional Instruments. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2012. Spiral Bound sheet music. $39.95. www.giamusic.com (LH)

Moore, Bob and Kelly Dobbs Mickus, Arrangers. One in Love and Peace: Wedding Music for Piano, Organ, and Optional Instruments. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2012. Audio CD. $16.95. www.giamusic.com (LH)

Moore, Bob, Arranger. One in Love and Peace: Wedding Music for Piano, Organ, and Optional Instruments (Instrumental Edition). Chicago: GIA Publications, 2012. 154 Pages Spiral Bound sheet music. $49.95. www.giamusic.com (LH)


I've only had one wedding to officiate at so far this summer. And yes, the wedding license has already been returned to the County Courthouse! I have one more wedding to participate in later this week. This time, I am not the Officiant. I am Lector and the Trumpet player. And I will be using music from GIA's One in Love and Peace.

One in Love and Peace is a comprehensive and practical collection of the most frequently requested wedding instrumentals, including such classics as “Canon in D” by Pachelbel, “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner, and “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven.  Each of the twenty-three preludes, processionals, and recessionals found in this compilation is arranged for both organ and piano.

The instrumental edition—sold separately—includes reproducible parts for B-flat trumpet, C solo instrument, and string quartet. They are compatible with both the piano and organ arrangements and with each other. A complete recording is also available. Affordable enough to purchase multiple copies, these demonstration CDs can be offered either on loan or as a gift to couples for use in their selection process.

This versatile collection is perfect for any church musician. Helpful background notes on each piece, the complete recording, and a variety of performance options make One in Love and Peace an essential resource for wedding planning.
(Publisher's Website)

Personally and pastorally, I refrain from using the Wagner piece in part because of this catechization from the congregation were I was wed:

It is generally wise to avoid the use of any opera music in connection with Christian worship. Many operas, while containing music which is beautiful, certainly virtuosic, and often extraordinarily demanding on the skills of the musicians, are built on plots which contain murder, suicide, illicit sex, and often have heathen influences as well. There are exceptions, but caution must be practiced in the selection of music from operas for use in worship.

I also ask couples and musicians to refrain from using "Bridal Chorus" and Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" because of their extreme overuse! (See page pages 3 and 4 in the main edition for source notes on both pieces.)

On Saturday, I have been asked to play Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary," aka "Prince of Denmark's March" and his "Trumpet Tune" (Instrument Edition 70, 88). 

In the future I intend to play/recommend "Sheep May Safely Graze," "Canon in D," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," Mouret's "Rondeau" and Bob Moore's own "Nuptial March" (18, 52ff, 64, 112, 100). 

Settings are challenging, and rightly so, in higher keys than beginning trumpet players are used to. I commend the arranger for the authenticity of using the original key chosen by the composer where possible. 

Pastors and musicians should have a copy of this CD handy to help brides decide which edifying music for a Christian wedding would make their day special and personal, yet primarily a worship service of Jesus Christ.

Organists will appreciate the lay-flat convenience of spiral binding and purposeful layouts to minimize page-turning.

Pastors and musicians, use part of your honoraria from your next wedding to get all three compoents of this set. You may also wish to have a second set at your (or your congregation's) disposal to loan to guest musicians and clergy.

One in Love and Peace is the most comprehensive source of Wedding Music for a Christian wedding I have yet found. Icommend it for your use, for the blessing of Christian couples celebrating Holy Matrimony, and to the Glory of our Triune God!

The Rev. Paul J Cain is Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming, Headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School, Yellowstone Circuit Visitor (LCMS Wyoming District), a permament member of the Board of Directors of The Consortium for Classical and Lutheran Education, Wyoming District Worship Chairman, and Editor of QBR.