Did you know that two of the world’s greatest composers had their 325th birthdays in 2010? And they both wrote lots of great wedding music? Well, they may not have written it to be used as wedding music, but we’ve since put it to good use!
Back in March, the world celebrated Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday. But a month earlier was Georg Frideric Handel’s birthday. I’m finally getting around to a much-belated birthday recognition for him.
Still popular today
Like Bach, Handel’s music remains popular today. One of his works is recognized by almost everyone: his famous and loved Hallelujah chorus from the oratorio “Messiah”, which itself is also extremely well-known, with performances of it heard regularly, especially during the Christmas holiday period.
I wonder if it’s because the music of Bach and Handel is so well-known and loved that even today much of it still appeals to couples planning their weddings.
In any case, to celebrate this major birth anniversary, here are my favorite Handel wedding music suggestions!
The list is a mix of well-known and often used Handel wedding music with some less commonly-used pieces (but just as appropriate).
Take a look and see what you think. I don’t know that you’ll want to have an all-Handel wedding ceremony, but you certainly could! Just don’t tell anyone it was my idea.
Top Handel wedding music ideas
Not in any particular order…
- Hallelujah chorus from “Messiah”
- Overture from Music for the Royal Fireworks
- Bourrée from Music for the Royal Fireworks
- La Paix from Music for the Royal Fireworks
- La Réjouissance from Music for the Royal Fireworks
- Air from Water Music Suite No. 1
- Aria (also listed as Larghetto) from Concerto Grosso No. 12 (Op. 6)
- Hornpipe from Water Music Suite No. 2
- Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (from “Solomon”)
- Allegro Maestoso from Water Music Suite No. 1
I included a few sample music preview links. My Guide to Selecting Memorable Church Wedding Music has links for just about every piece of music (and as I usually do, I also sent all the links to email newsletter subscribers!
What do you think?
Is there other Handel wedding music that you like or you think should have made my list? Your comments are always appreciated.
© 2010, Wedding Music Unveiled. All rights reserved.
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