"A Touch of Classical"

Lakeshore Music does have a favorite ensemble to recommend for wedding ceremonies, which is one trumpet with a string ensemble (either a quartet or a trio).  The strings create a nice ambience while the trumpet adds a majestic quality to specific moments such as the bride's processional and the recessional.

A string quartet is comprised of two violins, one viola, and one cello.  It is the best sounding combination of string players, and is suitable for most situations, such as weddings, receptions, and general background music.   Also, the string quartet is the most versatile of string groups, having the most variety of music to play and voicing options for composers.

Another kind of string group is the string trio, which is the same as a string quartet minus the viola. Without the middle voice, it has a simpler sound and is a little thinner in texture.   It is suitable for smaller, more intimate settings, although it has less original music (more arranged music).

A solo violin can also play with an organ or piano for wedding ceremonies, adding a nice touch to pieces with clear melodic lines.

One of the most popular requests for wedding ceremonies is for solo trumpet.   Many churches offer an organist, and adding a trumpet to the organ (especially for the processional and recessional) can really highlight certain moments of a ceremony.

A brass quintet is comprised of two trumpets, one french horn, one trombone, and either a tuba or bass trombone.   Like the string quartet, this combination offers the most variety of music and variations in sound.   A brass quintet is best suited for large or outdoor venues.   Brass instruments by nature are very full sounding, and require a lot of space.   Brass quintets are commonly requested for December holiday events.

A brass quartet is the same as a brass quintet minus the tuba/bass trombone (lowest voice).  Its description is comparable to that of a string trio, being a little lighter in texture, and having fewer choices in the music literature.  This combination is recommended for those who want brass music in a smaller venue.

Wedding Favorites: (partial listing)

Bach -Air (from Orchestral Suite No.3)
Bach -Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Bach -If Thou Be Near
Bach -Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Bach -My Spirit Be Joyful
Bach -Sheep May Safely Graze
Bach -Sleepers Wake
Bach-Gounod -Ave Maria
Beethoven -Ode to Joy
Brahms -St. Anthony’s Chorale
Brahms -Theme from Symphony No.1
Campra -Rigaudon
Charpentier -Prelude to Te Deum
Clarke -Trumpet Voluntary
Corelli -Trio Sonatas
Cowell -Walk Hand in Hand
Debussy -Girl with the Flaxen Hair
Delibes -Flower Duet from Lakmé
Dukas -Fanfare from La Péri
Franck -Panis Angelicus
Gabrieli -Canzona per Sonare No. 1,2,3
Gluck -Minuet
Handel -Air (from Water Music)
Handel -Aria
Handel -Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Handel -Hallelujah Chorus
Handel -Hornpipe (from Water Music)
Handel -La Rejouissance (from Royal Fireworks)
Haydn -London Trios
Haydn -String Quartets (including Serenade)
Kreisler -Liebesfreud
MacDowell -To a Wild Rose
Massenet -Meditation (from Thais)
Mendelssohn -Nocturne
Mendelssohn -Wedding March
Mouret -Rondeau
Mozart -Alleluia (from Exsultate, Jubilate)
Mozart -Ave Verum Corpus
Mozart -Divertimento I, II, III
Mozart -String Quartets
Pachelbel -Canon
Purcell -Rondeau
Purcell -Trumpet Tune
Schubert -Ave Maria
Shaker Song -Simple Gifts
Stanley -Trumpet Voluntary
Susato -Renaissance Dances
Tchaikovsky -Andante Cantabile
Vivaldi -Selections from The Four Seasons
Wagner -Bridal Chorus
Young -Entreat Me Not to Leave Thee

*If your favorite piece is not listed here, please inquire about it.  We may have it.  If a piece is not in the Lakeshore Music library, an arrangement is possible with an additional fee.

**Please note that not all pieces are suitable for every ensemble.  Trumpet + string ensembles, string quartet and brass quintet have the most selections and variety.  On the other hand, some pieces may only be suitable for smaller ensembles.  We will do our best to advise you on which pieces we believe sound best for the type of ensemble you choose.

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