There are so many beautiful songs that are overlooked when planning a wedding ceremony program. I truly appreciate and love performing traditional wedding music (Wagner’s Bridal Chorus, and Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, Pachelbel’s Canon in D, etc.), though when asked to suggest something beyond the traditional to a couple planning their ceremony program, the possibilities are endless! And if music touches you that way it does me, then you may want to be adventurous and choose a totally unexpected song.

Regardless of the lyric content or song context, if the music moves you, then it is an appropriate choice as an instrumental selection for your ceremony program. One of my favorite songs for a bridal processional is Time To Say Goodbye (sung by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman). The music is passionate and regal, and to me, the title can signify a goodbye in the sense of a young bride saying goodbye to her parents as she begins a new life. A more eclectic, yet exquisite piece of music is the score from Cinema Paradiso by Ennio Morricone. The title song Cinema Paradiso and the Love Theme are deeply moving and can be performed together in sequence for the bridal party and then the bride. The Cavatina by Stanley Myers is deeply moving composition and again, if the music touches you, then knowing that this song is from The Deerhunter movie soundtrack will not matter. The sweetness of the Cavatina melody gentle offers an unexpected pulse (a classical ¾ waltz time) and lightness to a ceremony.

Reaching further back in time, the legendary American folk song Shenandoah offers a nostalgic and uplifting yet, sentimental mood. Shenandoah has been recorded by such diverse artists as Van Morrison (with The Chieftains), jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Chanticleer. Each interpretation of Shenandoah is unique and offers many possibilities for your ceremony program.

Using an unexpected song in your ceremony program is also fun for your guests! Your guests, while they are first and foremost are watching you; they are also listening to your ceremony soundtrack. For example, choosing the Linus and Lucy theme for a wedding recessional always generates an audience full of smiles. Or, the theme from the movie Titanic, My Heart Will Go On, performed as a processional is extremely touching and is apt to elicit tears from your guests. Even, All I Ask Of You (Phantom) is a lovely choice for a ceremony. Recently a musically savvy bride and groom with very eclectic tastes requested music from the ambient Icelandic band, Sigur Ros. I explored their music online and what I discovered was another source of captivating and fascinating music.

Live music plays such an essential role in a wedding ceremony. And the songs choices are equally as significant. Orchestrating your music takes careful consideration and your wedding music professional is the best person to seek advice from. Your wedding music professional has many years of experience and will be able to guide you as to which songs work best with their instrument(s). When planning your ceremony program, add an unexpected song  (or songs) into the mix – imagine the possibilities!

Live Music Series #7  ©2010Lisa Pressman

Lisa Pressman Ensemble    www.opusfromus.com/events

When the time has arrived for your cocktail reception following your wedding ceremony, you (the bride and groom) may be spirited away by your photographer for extra shots during a lovely sunset, yet you leave your guests in the talented hands of your live musicians. A jazz trio, string quartet, solo piano/keyboard, harp or guitar can smoothly transition from your ceremony music into a sparkling selection of well-known songs in many genres keeping the gentle swing of the Bossa Nova style in mind. Everything from Cole Porter to Sarah McLachlan may be performed in a classic cocktail styling that adds an electric pizzazz to this special moment. Not that every song should be performed in the same manner, it is the atmosphere of a live performance that mixes genres and styles that catches your ears.

Be sure to discuss with your musicians ahead of time any favorite songs that you wish to hear at this time. It is so much fun to take a rock song and perform it with a twist and the cocktail reception is the perfect place to do so. Remember, that live music performance at this point in the event still requires the sound level to be one that allows the guests to mingle comfortably. Songs such as Wrapped Around Your Finger and Fields of Gold by Sting, or And I Love Her and Here, There and Everywhere by the Beatles are nicely performed in this easy Latin style. There are some oldies but goodies that naturally lend themselves to this style as they were composed with these rhythms in mind: The Look of Love, Goin’ Out Of My Head and A Man And A Woman are exquisite mid-century classics! Mix in a few popular upbeat Latin styles (Sway, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, Por Favor), plus several timeless swing favorites (The Way You Look Tonight, Moonglow, Love Is Here To Stay) and you have a classy and fun cocktail reception that will appeal to your guests of all ages before you pump up the volume, as well as energy, with the dance music.

Musicians are always thinking outside of the box when it comes to reinterpreting great songs for live performance and the cocktail reception is an ideal setting for a varied repertoire. Pop songs from the 60’s to the 00’s are excellent for mixing styles. Hits such as Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper, Faithfully by Journey and Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder are easily performed together with the latest offerings from Jason Mraz, Norah Jones and Ray LaMontagne!

As the immortal Eydie Gormé sang, “Blame it on the bossa nova with its magic spell…Blame it on the bossa nova the dance of love”. Ask your professional musician about the possibilities – they are endless!

Live Music Series by Lisa Pressman   #6  ©2010 http://www.opusfromus.com/events

Lisa Pressman: Pianist On Water

Creating an environment is an important component of music performance. Live Musicians choose tempo, key and style to set the tone at any given moment. For example, anticipating the arrival of the bridal entrance, the Prelude music (music played prior to the ceremony while your guests are arriving) may be calming and sedate. The atmosphere is filled with beautiful music and the tone is set for the entrance of the wedding party. While awaiting your arrival, your guests’ senses are enlivened with the sound of music and the sight of the live musician’s performance. A professional musician is well studied in many styles and is very adept at choosing the perfect song with the perfect tempo to set the anticipatory mood at this moment.

When at last the bridal party is set to enter, the music changes and the excitement is audible with murmurs among the guests. Your professional performers are tuned in and can musically alert your guests with a change of song (style, key, tempo) that the moment that they have been waiting for is now about to begin! When choosing the song for your bridal party the most important question to ask is whether or not the song provides a steady and uncomplicated pulse to walk to. From Classical to Rock there are so many great song choices, though remember that your grandparents and parents (and maybe the officiant and groom) may also be walking down the aisle. And if you have a large bridal party you may want to choose two songs – one for your parents and grandparents, and the other for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and ring bearer.

When choosing several songs for the bridal party your musician can suggest songs that have a similar theme or the same artist/composer to allow the music to flow seamlessly. Performing at a lovely Beatles themed wedding ceremony, we chose Here Comes The Sun for the very young flower girl and even younger ring bearer for their walk down the aisle. The effect of this song choice was so very perceptible complimenting the playfulness and beauty of the children.

Now for the moment that everyone has been waiting for! Your live musician heralds your entrance musically with your processional music that includes a resounding and resonant introduction signaling to all that you are ready! A change of key and a slightly quicker tempo is important to lift the listener’s perception to a higher level of anticipation. Your choice of music is matched to the moment. Make your choice of song one that you will want to remember! And, your choice of recessional song is just as important as this is the song your guests walk away with as your ceremony comes to a close. A powerful change of style, key and a brighter tempo will set the tone for the party to come. Remember to choose a song that is celebratory and, most of all, fun!

Lisa Pressman ©2009  lisa@opusfromus.com Lisa Pressman Ensemble: Extraordinary Music For Extraordinary Events! http://www.opusfromus.com/events

 Wedding Photography should capture the fun and excitement of the day!   Meet Christian and Nichole – we photographed all the traditional photos, some at the church and most at the beautiful location of Val Vista Lakes, at the end of the formals one of them suggested this very fun – Trash the dress image – No there is not a second image of the bride and the groom hitting the water!  This worked as a very fun capture the personality of the Bride and Groom image.  

 Some fun journalistic style wedding images are semi posed within a natural  setting.  While preparing to start a grouping of images with the bride and bridesmaids this natural backdrop of the maids was created while posing the bride and little flower girl.

 Yes we really did capture all the traditional wedding images – but at the conclusion of the wedding party session who could resist a quick strike a pose portrait of this lively group!  This fun, capture the moment image, takes only a few seconds to create but adds the essence of laughter and captures the  unique personality of the bride and groom and their wedding entourage.

So at the end of the day, make sure your photographer takes a few extra moments to create and capture the fun of your special wedding day.

 Patty Kaufman – www.itsUphoto.com

Wagner’s Bridal Chorus was composed as part of his opera Lohengrin that he completed in 1848. Lohengrin takes place in the early part of the tenth century and tells a story based on the popular medieval legends surrounding the mythical knights of the Holy Grail, as well as the Germanic myth of the Swan Knight sent by Heaven to rescue the lovely damsel in distress. The Bridal Chorus is performed (Act 3, Scene1) when the royal leading lady, Elsa of Brabant, marries her beloved knight Lohengrin, whose name must remain a secret to her or he will have to leave her. The orchestra sounds to begin the bridal processional and a heavenly choir sings the world famous Bridal Chorus: “Faithfully led, enter this place, where there await you the blessings of love! Valorous might, radiant grace, here are united by heaven above.”

Felix Mendelssohn, a child prodigy who died at the early age of 38, composed the Wedding March in 1842 for his lush symphonic poem, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mendelssohn was inspired by the William Shakespeare classic in 1826 when he first composed the Overture (Opus 21). The Incidental Music (Opus 61) was added for a performance of this same play in 1843 commissioned by the King of Prussia. There are fourteen sections, including the Overture, of both vocal and instrumental music. The Wedding March (No.9), composed for full orchestra for the end of the fourth act, is performed at a very spirited tempo – Allegro vivace- beginning with the unforgettable trumpet fanfare. As with many Shakespeare plays, the intertwining intrigues in magic and matchmaking between mortals and fairies inspired Mendelssohn to create this most famous piece of music to accompany a triple wedding!

Guaranteed to elicit tears of joy from the bridal party as well as the wedding guests, the Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel was composed around the year 1680 and is often performed as a processional for either the bridal party, bride or both. Pachelbel’s Canon was originally scored for three violins with bass accompaniment utilizing a theme and variations basis for its composition. The main theme is stated in the opening of the canon and different voices or instruments then repeat it in sequence (remember Row, Row, Row Your Boat!). The main melodic theme is then developed or changed by adding related variations of this same melody though keeping the original chord progression. And, the renowned chord progression of Canon in D (D – A – B minor – F sharp minor – G – D – G – A… feel free to hum along) instantly lifts the listener (your guests) into joyous anticipation as your ceremony unfolds.

Classical music inspires both performers and listeners. This is ageless music that professional musicians can orchestrate for keyboard, guitar, harp, strings or mixed ensemble. From the prelude music to the ceremony program, your live musician can seamlessly shape the contour of your event. With careful thought and preparation, each piece of music will flow into the next creating a beautiful accompaniment to your special day!

©2009 Lisa Pressman

Lisa Pressman Ensemble http://www.opusfromus.com/events

Lisa Pressman Pianist On Water

Wedding Harpist David M. Ice

As you are planning your wedding day, the most important day of your life (so far!), have you really stopped to analyze how important your ceremony music is going to be?

Not only is it the first music your guests will hear, but it will also set the tone, mood, and style for the rest of your wedding day.

It’s very important to take a few moments and think, really think about what you hope to achieve during those all-important moments of your ceremony, plus before and after.

I’m a harpist.  So I’ll admit I’m biased towards harp music.  But my thoughts and arguments equally apply to all live musicians, and their importance to ceremony music.

Some brides think, “Oh, I’ll use use an Ipod for the music.”  Others think that the DJ will just somehow “handle” the music for the ceremony.  Trust me, the former is fraught with great danger, and the second can be very tricky unless placed in the hands of a highly competent DJ who has a thorough knowledge of music—not just the technical knowledge of how to turn on a CD.

Take the Ipod Bride.  First off, how many guests have ever shown up to a wedding and exclaimed, “Oh, she has an Ipod for her wedding!”  Zero, I can assure you.  A live musician (be it a harpist, a keyboard player, a guitar player, or a string quartet) instantly says “Class!” to your invited guests.

And what can go wrong with an Ipod wedding?  Well, in the old days of cassette tape, it was so easy to hit REWIND or FAST FORWARD instead of PLAY.  Trust me, I’ve seen it happen repeatedly—more often than not!  In the Ipod world, it’s just as easy to scroll down and miss a song.  I’m not kidding.  A minister friend told me about the bride who came down the aisle to The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson theme…..somebody pressed the wrong button.  I’ve personally seen (or rather, heard) the most bawdy, lusty hip-hop song with utterly unprintable lyrics blast forth from the speakers before the nuptuals….another “oopsie, my bad” moment from the hapless Ipod owner.  Grandma nearly had a stroke from that one.

A competent DJ with the right tracks can do a good job—but consider this:  all it takes is one lost bobby pin and all the timings, rehearsals, and pre-planning go out the window.  What if you only have 96 seconds of music?  Your flower girl has the giggles (or is crying in terror) and you now need another extra 22 seconds of music to get her down the aisle?  Unless your DJ is incredibly competent, you have no other option than to start the music all over again—and just fade it out at the end.  It’s like turning off your car radio in mid-song.

A live musician (ideally, a harpist!—I can’t help myself!) can be utterly flexible with the music and “vamp” if necessary, stretch out choruses, and make the music perfectly fit no matter what happens.  I’ve had this happen, personally, many times.  The bride’s train gets caught up in a doorjam and she can’t move—or the time the bride forgot her boquet in her room and ran back to get it, leaving me with a very uncomfortable 90 seconds wondering if we had a real-life “runaway bride!”  I was able to vamp and fill and make the music seamless, as if it was all rehearsed and supposed to be that way.  And most importantly, none of the guests were any wiser.

Grandma is having trouble walking down the aisle?  No problem.  The ring bearer skips down the aisle instead of walking at a stately pace?  No problem.  A live musician can make the music work for your wedding ceremony, and work perfectly, no matter what happens.

A live musician also helps establish and maintain the tone and mood for your wedding ceremony.  For the Ipod bride, it can be a bit jarring to mix, say, Dolly Parton with Rod Stewart.  But a live musician (using whatever instrument) will maintain the same timbre, mood, and overall tone no matter what the music’s origin is.  Led Zeppelin and Donny Osmond?  No problem on the harp!  But play the original tracks back to back, and you’ll get giggles and stares from your guests!

One last thing:  as ceremony musicians, we all strive to make your day as perfect as possible.  Our job is to create a sound painting, if you will, that creates and maintains the perfect romantic mood.  It’s money well spent and you will never, ever have to endure the Twilight Zone Theme as your Wedding March—unless you specifically want it!

David M. Ice,  Harpist   www.azharpist.com

(**See “Lisa’s Eyes Of Love iMix” in  iTunes : http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=332281750)

Whether or not your live musician follows a “set list” (a list of songs predetermined with their order of performance) or knowing the favorites of the wedding couple, she uses her finely tuned intuition to select songs in the moment, it is always best for the bride and groom to communicate with their live musicians in the planning of their ceremony program and first dances. These are very special songs and need to be seriously contemplated for these are the songs you will remember the most!

Your live musician is there with you every step of the way. We know that things can happen that aren’t planned and that is when our performance experience and intuition kicks in. A change of tempo, an extra chorus or two to elongate a song or a change of style from a ballad to a swing tempo, or a modulation to a new key, all play a roll in the dynamics and energy of the event. These, of course, are subtle changes that happen without fanfare and you and your guests only experience the fun!

In the movie “In Her Shoes” the chosen wedding processional was the traditional Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner. This beautifully romantic and popular processional was given a spicy Reggae flavor by Richard Jah Ace and The Sons Of Ace. Adding to the Caribbean fun was their performance of the Sonny and Cher classic “I Got You Babe”. The delight of the guests was palpable as they watched the bride and groom “though the eyes of love” enjoy their songs – music that had meaning to the bride and groom personally.

All of your guests are watching and listening! Your thoughtfully chosen ceremony program and first dance songs intensify these moments and your live musicians, in turn, deepen the meaning of your songs with their wonderful interpretations. Your “audience” is taking this journey with you and they too will experience the sights and sounds of this day. Your family and friends are looking “through the eyes of love” as all eyes are upon you!

And, once again the power of love is experienced though our eyes and ears. “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, the dramatic rock ballad from the movie “Robin Hood: The Prince Of Thieves” (by Bryan Adams and Michael Kamen) perfectly captures the moment of the wedding as seen through the loving eyes of those attending, as well through the eyes of the bride and groom, and musically through the lyrics: “Look into my eyes – you will see what you mean to me. Search your heart, search your soul and when you find me there you’ll search no more…”

©2009 Lisa Pressman     Lisa Pressman Ensemble   www.opusfromus.com/events   lisa@opusfromus.com

Lisa Pressman Pianist Plays On Water!

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy”- what a wonderful time of year to have a wedding! The music of summer offers many delightfully romantic songs (see my iMix link below) to use as a theme for your wedding ceremony’s live music program. Sure it’s hot – but what is a little extra heat when you are in love!

Imagine hearing the extraordinary melody of Michel Legrand’s “Summer of 42″ gently playing, setting the mood as your guests arrive and sweeping them away in thoughts of a first summer love. Memories linger in this haunting melody and the power of live music shines as it defines a special moment.

A musician’s vast repertoire (a catalog of songs that she knows) is essential when planning a ceremony music program. Their in-depth knowledge of song titles will provide the appropriate suggestions for their individual instruments when creating your themed program. A “Summer” ceremony can include such beautiful songs as The Beach Boys’ “All Summer Long” (”…Ev’ry now and then we hear our song, Oh we’ve been havin’ fun all summer long…”), George Gershwin’s jazz classic “Summertime” or Johnny Mercer’s “The Summer Wind”. A more traditional composition for a summer ceremony would be Vivaldi’s “Summer” from the “Four Seasons” concerto. This is a gorgeous classical piece that can be performed by all instruments.

Heat things up a bit more by using a rock or pop classic song in your music program. It is important to remember that this song will sound different from the original recording. Your live musicians interpretation will bring this song to life and your guests will have fun trying to think of the song title! “Suddenly Last Summer” by The Motels, “Summer In The City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful or “The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley would definitely spice up a cocktail reception, especially if played in a jazzy or classical style. And please, communicate with your musicians well in advance of your wedding date for any special requests so they may have time to learn the song if needed.

Plan for shade for your musicians and their instruments. Acoustic (non electric) instruments with strings, such as guitars, violins, cellos, and harps, go “out of tune” easily in the heat, and especially so if in direct sun. For example, when a classical guitar is out of tune this means that each of the guitar’s six strings is not vibrating at the correct pitch in relation to its other strings. The beauty of stringed instruments is their unique tunings and timbres which produce exquisite sounds when “in-tune”.

A woodwind (flute, sax) will also go out of tune because the instrument itself will expand in the heat. Keeping the instrument at a constant temperature (albeit a warm temperature) with the use of shade in the summer will produce the desired results. Electronic instruments, such as keyboards, are mini-computers and can take the heat but not the direct sun. And remember, your musicians need water, so please have this available for them.

With thoughtful care your wedding ceremony can be the hit of the summer! When contracting live music for a summer ceremony, especially one taking place outdoors, a ceremony start time close to sunset is best (great for photos too!). The beauty of a summer evening with live music floating through the air, beginning with the arrival of your guests and continuing though the evening, will create a lasting visual and audio memory.

And as Johnny Mercer so famously wrote: “All summer long, we sang a song, and strolled the golden sand. Two sweethearts and The Summer Wind….”

Check out “Lisa’s Summer iMix”  in the iTunes Music store at: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=325837194

Listen online to the Lisa Pressman Ensemble at http://www.opusfromus.com/events . Contact Lisa at lisa@opusfromus.com

Live Music Series by Lisa Pressman #2 ©2009

We Want To Sing You A Love Song!

Anne Murray sang in 1974, “I wanna sing you a love song….”. That’s the desire of all of the talented professional musicians and vocalists that perform “live” for weddings and events in the Valley of the Sun. These performers are there to sing and play for you. And, as Shakespeare so beautifully wrote: “If music be the food of love, play on”!

Whether for your wedding ceremony, cocktail reception and/or dinner reception, live music creates an extraordinary atmosphere that elevates the entire experience by adding a soundscape designed with you, the bride and groom, in mind. Live Music is an art form that is created and enjoyed in the moment, instantly lifting your emotions and senses as the experience of your event unfolds. Live Music connects with the emotions and energy of the bride and groom as well as the guests. The joy of your event is tangible as the performers and their music enliven the ambiance. You can feel the energy of Live Music- music created in the moment- and the memory of these magical musical moments can last forever!

Live Music has been a part of life’s celebrations forever! Music history teaches us that music is a very important element in sacred religious services, including the marriage ceremony. Unaccompanied voice was the first instrument used in early sacred music. Performance styles were very restricted depending on the time period and music creation had very stringent guidelines and practices. The Church allowed only sacred texts to be set to music. This music was passed down from performer to performer and was not notated. At first, hauntingly beautiful and simple (in terms of composition) single line vocal melodies were performed. As time progressed another voice, as a sustained note (or chant drone), was added below the melody and basic harmony was then created. Music composition and performance changed over time as single line melodies developed into melodies with harmony by adding complementary notes to the melody played in exact rhythm. From simple harmony, music became more intricate with the use of inter-woven melodies that created harmony by their movements and the “rules” of music composition were expanded.

Secular music (music for use outside of the church), especially songs of love, became more and more popular and was performed usually by a stringed instrument called a lute (the predecessor to the guitar), which was also used to accompany the voice. Over time, keyboard and orchestral instruments were added to sacred and popular music performance. Though “early music” was very beautiful, contemporary music performance today encompasses a wide and varied range of musical styles and performance mediums. Performers today are always adding something new and fresh into the mix and this can be very exciting to hear. Anything goes!

The “wedding musicians’” highest purpose is to provide an impressive soundtrack for your most special day. To a professional musician, now as in earlier times, being in the moment of this musical creation is always an absolutely awesome experience! Professional musicians who perform for weddings describe their music as extraordinary, elegant, sophisticated, and beautiful. And that allows you, the bride and groom, to feel exactly that – extraordinary, elegant, sophisticated and beautiful!

Listen online to the Lisa Pressman Ensemble at http://www.opusfromus.com/events . Contact Lisa at lisa@opusfromus.com

If you must, give in a little – on both sides of the family – however if it’s something that you absolutely do not want to be a part of the wedding, take a time-out to think about how you can tactfully say no.

Possibly the only exception might be if there are differences in religion, background or culture. It is sometimes wise to honor the faith of your guests as well. AND. . . it is your wedding. You get to say how and what is said.

Sidebar: Be sure that your minister is willing to make your ceremony fit what YOU want, not what he thinks it should be.

Celebrate each other’s uniqueness and emphasize the things you have in common.

Your comments are always welcome!

Copyright © 2009 – Larry James. This article is adapted from Larry’s Wedding Website. Larry James is a non-denominational minister and performs the most “Romantic” wedding ceremony you will find anywhere! You will find more than 430 pages of Wedding ideas, tips (90 tips and growing), ceremonies, and more at: http://www.celebrateintimateweddings.com.

Check Larry’s availability for your wedding by calling 480-998-9411 or fill out the form at: http://www.celebrateintimateweddings.com/requestinfo.html

CelebrateIntimateWeddings.com, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695

All articles by Larry James listed in this BLOG are available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the Internet or on your own Website. Click here for details.