From the 16th century to the present, a European and now Australian church weddings (in the last 200 years anyway) often involves the bride walking slowly down the church aisle to a processional tune and returning together with her new husband to a lively recessional tune.
For over 100 years the most popular processional has been Wagner’s Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin (1850), often called “Here Comes The Bride”. For the recessional the most popular tune is Mendelssohn’s Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1826). Both apart of 16 Strings repertoire list.
As the couple leave the church, bells are rung. During the service there will be a few hymns, often chosen by the bride. The law now requires paper documentation so there is an extra piece of music while the couple retires to sign the register. This might be a reflective piece such as Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”.
After the few photographs the reception follows. This is a meal followed by a dance. In previous centuries the newlyweds would be the first to dance and then they would separate to dance briefly with each of the other people present. Only the most conservative or wealthy weddings now have couple dancing.
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So as you can see weddings haven’t really changed all that much since the 16th century. However, the type and style of music that is chosen has changed. Although the traditional songs are still a popular choice for many modern brides, many young couples today prefer the more contemporary sound.
The great thing about a string quartet in the 21st century is that you can have a traditional look with a contemporary sound!
Today wedding music and the wide range of choice you can have for your wedding is endless. From live music through to a mp3 you can do whatever you want… But have you ever thought about having a string quartet play at your wedding?
When most people think of a string quartet, they most likely think mozart and classical music.. and to some (and I’m sure it’s more than one) would prefer something more upbeat and familiar. That’s why 16 Strings String Quartet have created a repertoire of music to suit most people’s taste of music. From Coldplay to Buble right through to a bit of The Beatles and even Elton John! 16 Strings have made wedding music with a string quartet exciting!
To give you a taste of the string quartet 16 Strings String QuartetBrisbane met on Sunday to record a new song called “Hoppipolla” by Sigur Ros. It’s the second song on the following video… Enjoy
There is nothing more beautiful than a live string quartet as your wedding music, corporate or private functions.
The sound of the strings and your guests chatting happily amongst themselves is something to be desired. However, a string quartet doesn’t have to have the traditional classical sound if that’s not you, you can jazz or pop it up with more contemporary pieces that have been specially arranged for the string quartet. 16 Strings has worked extremely hard to keep our repertoire up to speed with the popular music of today.
Jazz Aint No Sunshine, Autumn Leaves, Call Me Irresponsible, Cantaloupe Island, Dream A Little Dream of Me, Fever, Fly Me to the Moon, The Girl from Ipanema, It Don’t Mean A Thing, I Get A Kick Out of You, It Had To Be You, Mack The Knife, Over the Rainbow, Someone to Watch Over Me, Summertime, Take Five, Unforgettable, The Way You Look, When I Fall In Love, Moondance, For Once In My Life, Summer Wind, You’ll Never Find Another, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Sway, Come Fly With Me, Home, Everything, Can’t Help Falling In Love, A Tangerine Rag, What a Wonderful World, Don’t Know Why, Sunrise, Pink Panther, Tea For Two, Sunny Side, At Last, Plus more…
Pop Viva La Vida, Violet Hill, Clocks, Yellow, Love Stroy, Only Hope, 20 Good REasons, Chasing Cars, The Prayer, I’ll Be There, Raise Me Up, Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, Penny Lane, All We Need Is Love, Lady Madonna, Imagine, Iris, Linger, Bella’s Lullaby, All I Want Is You, Beautiful Day, Plus more…
16 Strings received a lovely testimonial today from a bride and groom that we recently played for at their wedding (see below). However, the part that was the most touching out of the whole testimonial was the P.S at the bottom. The bride commented that because of 16 Strings, her husband was inspired to pick up his violin and start playing again.
To be an inspiration to another, there is truly nothing better in life…
Testimonial:
We wish to thank the 16 Strings quartet for their wonderful performance at our wedding ceremony at the Hyatt Regency, Sanctuary Cove. In planning my wedding, I hoped for an elegant, timeless ceremony, with music to fill our hearts with joy and bring smiles to the faces of our guests, and we could not have chosen better than 16 Strings. I will always remember how it felt to have my husband place my wedding ring on my finger, then hear the stirring opening bars of “the Prayer” performed by the quartet filling the beautiful chapel. Our guests were enthralled, and I cannot recommend your services highly enough.
Kind regards, and Merry Christmas ~Sherlene and Craig
PS: unfortunately your stunning performance has inspired my new husband to pick up his violin again, and he has been stuck on Book 1 of the Suzuki Method for the last 2 years. Pray for me and send Aspirin
Here is also an article from Peter Sinclair of Motivational Memo also talking on the topic of inspiration. Enjoy…
Be The Fire Of Inspire
There is a flame that is lit within my heart every time that I consult with a great mind. It is often sparked by a book, a conversation, a speech, a movie, a song, a scene or even a sign.
And if I am ever ready to be lit up with inspiration, there is an immediate point of ignition from which creative thought, accompanied by corresponding action, is loosed – like rocket fuel. It causes an explosion, and I cannot but be inspired to be transformed into ‘the creator’.
But the fuel best foraged for such momentous events is a life filled with expectation to receive. That alone prepares the recipient for the flash.
For this one has tendered the tinder during the dry times of perspiration and persistence. For this is often the fuel that paves the way for the flood of inspiration that is set to follow; a flood of fire that will engulf all in its path.
It is a consuming burning mass of uniquity’s flame that in turn will then send forth embers designed to inspire one here and another there, so they too can enjoy the eternal flame that has been lit in the hearts of men and women throughout the ages.
For we are as Olympian runners passing the flame one to another until it reaches its destination – the hearts and souls of men.
Refuse to stand as cardboard puppets. Breathe fire. Be as a molten volcano overflowing its rim. Light the candle. Strike the match. Be fired. Be an inferno.
Be inspired. Be an inspiration, and fan ‘the fire of inspire’ to lift you higher and higher. For that same flame that burns within you will warm the multitudes who so desperately seek more than just the cold and leftover morsels that a life lacking in inspiration would only ever offer them to eat.
