Do you like Celtic? If so, find a way to listen to Joanie Madden's Song of the Irish Whistle, tracks 2 and 4. They are lovely, dignified, and joyful....guaranteed to make your relatives cry. Best wishes!

john gave you a pretty good suggestion...

Craigellachie, I've had several recommendations for Celtic music. I hadn't considered it, but your choice of adjectives fires my interest. :) "Lovely, dignified, and joyful" - that's exactly what I'm going for! Thanks for the suggestion.

John gave me a BRILLIANT suggestion.

:-[D>

The prospect of sending down the groomsmen to Saint-Saens "Kangaroo" is well nigh irresistible . . . .

(Saint Saens Christmas Oratorio prelude. Seeing as how both Buaghface and I used it for bridesmaids, it's nearly traditional! :) And honestly, an excellent piece of music.)

(Or you could have someone compose something for you. Just a thought. :)

You could have an a capella men's quartet singing the ancient hymns!

Kitten on the Keys - need I say more?

Everyone should have a different Chopin ballade. A bit of a long entry, but SO worth it...

Can you get the Symphony? Boston Symph. Orch.?

Tchaik's 1812 Overture. Can't get more dignified... at least, can't get more march-like...

The real question is, how do you feel about a theremin and bagpipe combination?

xoxox

Recessional should include "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen.

I think that you ought to consult a good baroque musicologist or something. What you really want is something a bit out of the mainstream, but comparable to many of the hackneyed chamber music selections.

Chamber music is the perfect genre primarily because it works on a budget, and the logistics are manageable. I happen to know one or two of these musicologists (and you probably do too). Let me know if you want me to hunt around.

Well...doesn't have to be Baroque. Chamber, though. Definitely chamber.

You're right, John, exactly right. Different, but comparable to the traditional favorites. I'm not trying to be rebellious, I just don't want to be trite.

I've toyed with the thought of chamber music - a string ensemble of some sort - but my experience is that chamber music ensembles are incredibly expensive. I know quite a few student string players, but if I'm going to ask them to learn an hour's worth of new music together, I want to compensate them! And, of course, I need to pin down some actual music before I worry about the ensemble. <g>

And the other thing is, I know so many pianists it seems a shame not to include them, especially if they're willing to each give me a song or two as a really sweet and generous "wedding gift" . . . .

But if you have any names, pass them along! I'm not discounting anything at the moment. I like Evan's philosophy: Figure out exactly what you want, then see if you can get it. Sometimes God provides beyond your expectations. If not, be content with knowing you tried. :)

Erin, do you know anyone who can toss off a Chopin Ballade at a moment's notice . . . ?

Don't mention the 1812 Overture around my fiance or my brothers! The cannons would be in the sanctuary before you get the words out of your mouth. And although the church office manager didn't veto cannons - only dripping candles and fresh flower petals - I'd rather not try that line of argument. <g>

Thank You Karoline!!! :)

Back in Black! For all of it! And you can dress in... no, never mind. Don't ask ME.

I know of a string quartet, but they're in Lynchburg, VA, which is about two and a half hours from me. If you don't know of anyone else and you want me to ask 'em how far they travel, let me know. One of the girls and I are good friends (she happens to be my cousin's girlfriend).