The Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-02-26, Page 46Showcase '86, page 20
P9
Traditional wedding music still favourite
By Man Riven
As much as things change, there are
some things that somehow resist a lot of
change - especially when it involves the
traditions of the wedding ceremony.
And the time-honored music used in the
wedding ceremony is an integral part of
the tradition. While some changes have
taken place, wedding music still caters to
the classics which have stood the test of
time, says a Londesboro organist who has
played the organ at weddings since 1954.
Gail Lear, a veteran organist who has
played over 150 weddings, says classical
hymns•still reign supi•eine in the three sec-
tions of the service - the prelude, when the
guests are being ushered into the church;
the processional, when the bride walks
down the isle, and the recessional, after
the bride and groom have signed the
register.
However, more modern music is now ac-
ceptable for the soloist to sing during the
wedding.
According to Mrs. Lear, the choice of the
processional hymn is a decision made by
the bride and groom, but it should be ap-
proved by the minister beforehand.
"Any hymn the bride and groom choose
inust be cleared with the minister. The
A
Picture Perfect
Welding
Begins
With Us...
Photographs to Cherish
Forever,
An exquisite portrayal
of your wedding
that captures every
intimate moment_
Photographs that
will remind you
of the special joy
of your
wedding day.
R.J. NEPHEW
PHOTOGRAPHY
65 Montreal Street,
Goderich
•
For Appointment Call
524-2029
minister has the final say in each in-•
dividual religion. The hymns vary from
church to church," she said.
The popular hymns most often played
for the processional are Praise My Soul,
Holy, Holy, Holy, and Joyful, Joyful We
Adore Thee. The wedding standard Here
Comes The Bride is seldom used in the
wedding service today, owing to the fact
most churches feel it is a "secular opera"
which is inappropriate for a church wed-
ding, said Mrs. Lear, adding it has been
under the ban since the 1960s. -
For the recessional, Mrs, Lear says the
music has remained the same with the
Trumpet Voluntary by Purcell and
MendLlssohn's Wedding Match as the
traditional pieces, used throughout the
years.
.Mrs. Lear says she must be prepared for
the variable length of time before the
ceremony starts. by carrying an ample
supply of music for the prelude as the
guests are being seated. On one occasion,
she recalled a couple who requested she
play only three pieces for the prelude. But,
knowing the unpredictability of weddings,
she brought along extra pieces of music
just in case. As it turned out, the wedding
started over 30 minutes late.
The music most often played before the
service is Canon in D by Pachelbel, Jesus
Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach, Melody in
F by Rubenstein and Minuet in G by
Handel, she says.
The music performed by the soloist is
where the most latitude in music selection
is found, says Mrs. Lear. Over the years
more and more popular songs have been
used for the wedding ceremony. But, once
again, the bride and groom should consult
with the minister to find out.what is ap-
propriate.
"Some ministers will allow popular
songs to be used as long as they have
meaningful words and do not destroy the
reverence of the service, she said.
In the 1950s and 60s, songs such as Oh
Perfect Love, I'll Walk Beside You and Oh
Promise Me were popular wedding songs
sung by soloists, said Mrs. Lear. Today,
soloists routinely sing ballads such as ,
Evergreen, The Wedding Song, The Hose
and Endless Love. Even guitars, an in-
strument once unheard of for the wedding
Turn to page 21
Plan perfect honeymoon
When planning your trip, start with a
good travel agent. She can be a big help
by arranging ground transportation,
sightseeing tours, theater tickets and pro-
viding information about currency,
passports, good restaurants and points of
interest.
Whether you'll be enjoying country •
comforts or big city living, there are
many considerations when choosing a
place to stay.
• Is it located near the places you want
to go?
•
•t
14 B 101x- z
•1832•
People have been having perfect
Wedding Receptions at The Little Inn of
Bayfield for over 100 years.
Our experience, traditional setting, atmosphere and famous
kitchen will make your wedding perfect too!
Your reception, Targe or small, will be planned to the very
last detail. Whether you choose our outdoor garden setting,
one of our private dining rooms or the main hall, you can be
assured of a flawlessfunction and an unforgettable meal. The
cost is more. reasonable than you might think. So leave the
worries to us and enjoy your special day.
Because treasured memories come from 'a beautiful
beginning.
Rehearsal Parties -Receptions -Bridal Suite.
THE LITTLE INN of BAYFIELD
MainStreet. Phone 565-2611 '
•
OPEN YEAR ROUND FULLY LICENSE[)