Can't seem to get off the subject of nuptials - this time it is the stuff we perform during the signing of the register.

Is anyone willing to share ideas and tell us what their choir sings?
The repertoire is dependent on the resources available and the skill of the musical director, both singularly lacking in this particular corner so our two ladies don choir robes and accompanied by me, sing songs of a vaguely celebratory nature from New Mission Praise until we get the nod that the Happy Couple are ready to emerge from the vestry.

But we have aspirations. I doubt we could pull off two-part stuff (I almost caused a walk-out a few Christmases ago with a group of about a dozen singers who were freaked out by dividing into parts)and they don't like to risk going over C above mid-c, but I would be most grateful for any suggestions for different repertoire. At least if I had to buy new music, 2-3 copies would not break the bank!

A beautiful and suitable piece is the anthem 'O Perfect Love' by Joseph Barnby. It is fully set out for four part choir. The first and last verses are based on the well known hymn tune (which is taken from the anthem) but the middle verse is different. There is a two part arrangement which is effective and a solo version which can be sung in unison- also very pleasing.

The choral part of 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' is easy, but it is from a funeral motet. (Everyone conveniently forgets that.) Similarly, 'Sheep May Safely Graze' is straightforward and, like other wedding pieces, once learned is there for ever more. They can be and often are sung in unison - a solo soprano edition is best for that.


Barry Williams

I give you a new commandment - Aston

A Clare Benediction - Rutter

?? From Cantata 147, written for the Feast of the Visitation of the BVM.

Stephen Barber

Many thanks for all replies so far; didn't realise there were words to "Sheep".
Have googled bouron 16s suggestions and liked; will be contacting rscm shop - just awaiting any more recommendations.
Will investigate the Apache song as soon as time allows and thanks for the detail about Jesu Joy.

What about the hymn 'May the grace of Christ our Saviour', which is very appropriate? There's also a pretty anthem on these words which is written for female voices. I'll dig out a copy for you if you're interested. Email me if you are.

I think it depends how one defines 'suitable' or 'appropriate' Mel.

Our choir recently sang Stainer's Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis in Bb during the signing of registers. I would not have thought that it was entirely appropriate for a wedding, but they liked the tune when they heard us rehearsing it, so that was that.

SB

I don't know this piece at all, so cannot comment on what it is like.

However, the title suggests that it probably has roots in Native American religion and it might be worth checking how the couple getting married feel about this. If it was my wedding then I personally would have reservations about this and would much prefer music which had a Christian basis - but this may not be an issue to others, especially if they aren't really Christians/regular church attenders.

I'd have thought any setting of the Magnificat would be suitable for a wedding - especially if the bride's got a bun in the oven.

I'm sure no pun was intended but I take your point. The Christian content or otherwise doesn't usually swing the choice unduly, I don't think. Banks would be most scrupulous, I'm sure, if they are the publisher - I just haven't had the chance to chase it up yet - there were another three of the fixtures last Sat so I'm hoping to obtain something fresh before the end of the month as there are more to come.



Quite possibly not the Nunc unless the wedding was being done as a dare.

A lot of the brides already have a couple of sprogs; I don't know about the bun but there is a trend these days for very large, healthy looking brides - so big and healthy in fact, you could hide an Aga behind them, and I speak as a large, healthy person.

In my experience, unless the bride or groom request something specific, go with something that people might recognise; Jesu Joy / Sheep May Safely Graze are pretty sure hits. At one time we done 'Lord I Trust Thee' by Handel, it's out of an oratorio, but i can't remember which one.

Then again a friend of mine is having Durufle ubi caritas. Originally chosen because he has liked it since being a treble, it suddenly became very appropriate upon a reminder of the English translation of that text 'in the heart where love is abiding, there is God himself'

Or *Grimmace* Howard Goodalls' The Lord is my Shepard. There, said it

Just to resurrect this - saw a bride yesterday who wants her future Father in Law to sing during the signing. He is a very sweet tenor but I couldn't for the life of me think of anything specifically tenory to suggest as repertoire. All the normal potboilers are typically sung by sops/mezzos, so can any of you bright sparks suggest something specifically for the gentleman to have a bash at?...

How modern a song would he like? If the bride is golden-haired, Handel's Silent Worship is simple but effective. If he wants something more modern, Bridge over troubled water is a most beautiful love song.

Fauré's Libera me Domine comes to mind.........




........ but on second thoughts.

SB

Jesu Joy again. Have you never seen the songs of praise episode of the vicar of dibley?!

Panis Angelicus by Franck is a favourite.

There's also "Lowly they kneel" - which is Where'ere you walk (Semele) by Handel with appropriate wedding words.

And the fall back is the Bach/Gounod Ave Maria.

All 3 above are in Sing Solo Sacred compiled and arranged by Jenkins.

The other item I have delivered (actually at 2 of my daughters' weddings) is "Love Changes Everything" - as long as he's got a decent B flat!

If you have a good tenor you should have a bit of the Creation:



Please read as much double entendre in there as you like.