The Balintore Trio is the perfect choice for Catholic Wedding Music – Toronto and area
The Balintore Trio has been performing Catholic wedding music – Toronto and area for the past 20 years.
Over those years, we have become very knowledgeable with the many aspects and details to consider when choosing the music for your Catholic wedding ceremony. One of the considerations is what the priest’s preferences are when selecting music.
Always consult the priest when planning your Catholic wedding music
Usually, a priest is open to having some secular music, but occasionally, a priest will only allow sacred music to be included in the ceremony. The term ‘sacred music’ simply means music composed for religious use. Some examples of sacred music typically performed at Catholic wedding ceremonies are: ‘Sheep May Safely Graze’ (J.S. Bach), ‘Ave Maria’ (Franz Schubert), ‘Panis Angelicus’ (Cesar Franck) and ‘Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring’ (J.S. Bach). You can listen to all these pieces here on our website.
If the priest does’t require that all the music in the ceremony is sacred, then there are many choices available. Here are some popular pieces that are often chosen for wedding ceremonies:
(* indicates that these pieces can be heard here on our website – played by the Balintore Trio – on the AUDIO page)
- Air on a G String (J.S. Bach)*
- Aria (G.F. Handel)
- Canon in D (Johann Pachelbel)*
- Largo from ‘The Four Seasons’ (A. Vivaldi)
- Spring from ‘The Four Seasons’ (A. Vivaldi)*
- Minuet (W. Gluck)
- Trumpet Voluntary (Jeremiah Clarke)
- Water Music-Air (G.F. Handel)
- Wedding March (R. Wagner)
- Entrance of the Queen of Sheba (G.F. Handel)
- Hornpipe from ‘Water Music’ (G.F. Handel)*
- La Rejouissance (G.F. Handel)
- Rondeau (J.J. Mouret)
- Trumpet Tune (H. Purcell)*
- Wedding March (F. Mendelssohn)
The Format of the Catholic Wedding Mass
There are specific points in the ceremony where it’s possible to have music accompaniment, and this depends again on the priest’s preferences, along with whether a singer will be performing in the ceremony.
When is music typically appropriate / required during a Catholic wedding?
These are the typical points in the ceremony that usually require music, (whether it’s a Catholic ceremony or otherwise):
- The Processional: either one piece of music for everyone walking down the aisle, or separate pieces of music for the parents, bridesmaids and bride.
- The Signing of the Register: a piece of music to entertain the guests while the registry is being signed.
- The Recessional: a piece of music accompanies the bride and groom, followed by the bridal party as they exit the church. Usually it is something lively and jubilant.
When is music optional?
There are several other possible points in the Catholic wedding ceremony where music may be needed. Some of these include:
- The Responsorial Psalm: this comes between the first and second reading. Either read without musical accompaniment or sung by a singer with musical accompaniment.
- The Gospel Acclamation: either sung with musical accompaniment or read aloud.
- Preparation of the Gifts: this is a brief period as the priest prepares the Eucharist, when music may or may not need to occur.
- Communion: if the ceremony consists of a full mass, then communion would take place. Music is typically performed while this occurs.
- Reflection: sometimes a priest may suggest a point in the ceremony when a reflective piece of music is performed, allowing for meditation among the congregants. Alternatively, the bride and groom may choose to insert a musical interlude to break up the ceremony.
With all of these decisions, remember that for a Catholic wedding ceremony, the priest usually dictates or guides many of the decisions. It is important to consult with him before making musical selections.
Choose the Balintore Trio for your Catholic wedding music
The Balintore Trio is very experienced with the format of the Catholic wedding ceremony and is comfortable suggesting appropriate musical selections to match the wishes of the bridal couple, along with the requirements of the Church.
